Tacloban city: Several areas in Eastern Visayas have suspended classes on Monday as heavy rains dumped by a shear line triggered flooding in low-lying areas of the region. In Northern Samar province, Governor Harris Ongchuan suspended both classes at all levels and work in the government due to the continuing effects of the shear line and the forecasted gale-force winds as reported by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Ongchuan stated that the weather condition brings heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions that pose risks to commuters, government personnel, and the general public. The provincial government also announced the suspension of classes for January 5, 2026, as early as Sunday afternoon.

In Samar province, Governor Sharee Ann Tan issued an executive order on Sunday night, declaring the suspension of classes in pre-school, elementary, and secondary levels in all public and private schools in the province on January 5, 2026, due to the weather disturbance. She emphasized that the suspension is necessary to spare pupils and students from unnecessary dangers to their lives and limbs.

Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone also suspended classes at all levels, both public and private, across the province on Monday after persistent rains caused by the prevailing shear line. In response to the weather threat, the Eastern Samar Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office raised the province's blue alert status on January 4, signaling heightened preparedness and monitoring.

Flooding in several communities in Tacloban City prompted Mayor Alfred Romualdez to issue an executive order suspending classes at all levels in both public and private schools. The city, known for hosting large college campuses, has students from different parts of the region.

Class suspension declarations were also issued by local government units in the Leyte province towns of Palo, Alangalang, Tanauan, San Miguel, Tolosa, Julita, Burauen, Tabontabon, Barugo, Jaro, and San Isidro. In Biliran province, classes have been suspended in the towns of Caibiran, Culaba, Kawayan, Cabucgayan, Almeria, and Naval.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued an early Monday heavy rainfall outlook due to a shear line for the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar. PAGASA warned of possible flooding and landslides in Leyte and Samar provinces due to heavy rains caused by a low-pressure area and shear line.

The weather bureau identified several rivers in six provinces likely to be affected by the downpour, which includes rivers in Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and all river systems in Biliran province.