Antique: Work in provincial and national government offices, as well as classes at all levels in both public and private schools in Antique, were suspended Friday due to the effects of the southwest monsoon, or "habagat," which has been enhanced by Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name Noul).
According to Philippines News Agency, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III Michael Tolentino stated that the suspension is mandated under Memorandum Order 20 issued by Governor Paolo Everardo Javier on Friday morning. This order aims to ensure the safety of employees and students as heavy rainfall is currently affecting the entire province.
A red rainfall warning has been issued for the towns of Hamtic, Tobias Fornier, and Anini-y, while San Jose, Belison, Sibalom, and San Remigio are under a yellow warning, based on the 11 a.m. advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. A red warning indicates potential serious flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions. An orange warning suggests possible flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions, while a yellow warning indicates a threat of flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions.
Tolentino noted that the suspension of face-to-face classes in the province is automatically enforced for Kindergarten to Grade 12, including the Alternative Learning System, once an area is placed under the orange rainfall warning, as per the Department of Education Order No. 22, series of 2024.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has already observed an overflow at the Sibalom River and is closely monitoring the water levels in other major rivers due to the persistent heavy rainfall since last night. Flooding has occurred along the road section in the coastal barangay of Calala in the municipality of Hamtic, leaving some motorists stranded. A landslide was also reported in Barangays Apdo and Calacja in the same town, prompting a clearing operation to make the area passable.
Tolentino advised residents to remain indoors if they do not have essential errands to run, as the enhanced southwest monsoon is expected to remain critical until Saturday.
