Parts of Bicol, Visayas suspend classes, work amid typhoon threat

Local government officials in parts of Bicol and Visayas on Thursday suspended classes and declared half-day work in anticipation of rough weather conditions from Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Residents in Cebu were also advised to tie down their houses and roofs and trim trees, as Yolanda is expected to bring strong winds.

Typhoon Yolanda entered the Philippine area of responsibility at midnight Wednesday, and is expected to make landfall in Eastern Visayas Friday.

PAGASA had warned there is a possibility Yolanda may intensify into a super-typhoon.

South Luzon

In Oriental Mindoro, Calapan City said there would be no suspension of classes, but if PAGASA raises Signal No. 1 there, grade school and high school classes in public and private schools will automatically be suspended.

The city expects Yolanda to be felt Thursday afternoon.

In Masbate, the Masbate City government said classes in all levels were suspended, while office work is to be suspended at 1 p.m.

In Camarines Sur, Governor Miguel Villafuerte said classes are suspended in all levels Thursday and Friday.

Western Visayas

State-run Philippine Information Agency reported that in Capiz, Governor Victor Tanco announced that offices at the provincial capitol will be suspended Friday.

But the suspension does not apply to offices involved in disaster response.

Tanco also ordered skeletal forces for disaster response front-line services, such as the Engineers Office, Social Welfare Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to remain on duty.

Also in Capiz, Roxas City Coast Guard Commander Terence Alsosa said they alerted residents in coastal barangays to take precautions against Typhoon Yolanda.

Alsosa said they advised small fishing boats not to venture to the sea.

In Negros Occidental, Governor Alfredo Marañon and Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentebella announced the suspension of classes today in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.

In Aklan, classes at all levels were suspended for the day.

Also in Aklan, Kalibo Mayor W.S. Lachica declared the suspension of classes in all levels and encouraged everyone to continue praying for safety, while Governor F.T. Miraflores declared a half-day off for all provincial government offices Thursday.

In Cebu, Gov. Hilario Davide III fielded heavy equipment units in the northern and southern areas for swift response in case of landslides, the PIA Central Visayas said.

Meanwhile, the PIA in Bohol said the Coast Guard suspended fast craft trips for Cebu and Dumaguete Thursday morning.

But the PIA in Capiz also said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines' Roxas City control tower staff said flight schedules for Manila and Roxas City have not been canceled as of Thursday morning.

Also in Cebu, the Lapu-Lapu City government asked residents to "tie down your houses on stable and strong concrete, most especially the roofs."

"Trim the trees near your houses to avoid serious damages if in case trees fell. Let us all be safe," it added.

Bohol emergency numbers

The PIA Bohol listed emergency numbers for residents to call.

In Leyte, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council convened and decided to suspend classes at all levels due to Typhoon Yolanda. — LBG, GMA News