Track and intensity of Typhoon Betty as of 11 a.m. on Wednesday (May 31, 2023). (Image courtesy of PAGASA weather bureau)
BACOLOD CITY – This capital city and several other local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental suspended classes at all levels on Wednesday due to heavy rains brought by the convergence of Typhoon Betty and the southwest monsoon.
Acting Mayor El Cid Familiaran here said he declared the suspension of classes after consulting the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Based on the list of the Negros Occidental Command Center, LGUs that also canceled classes as of Wednesday noon include the cities of Talisay, Silay, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and Sipalay, as well as the municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto, EB Magalona, Murcia, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, La Castellana, Isabela, Moises Padilla, and Hinoba-an.
Heavy rainfall warning issued in the province at 11 a.m. indicated a "yellow level warning" in its southern portion, which means a possibility of flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.
Based on the tropical cyclone bulletin issued at 11 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the enhanced southwest monsoon will bring occasional to frequent wind gusts in the regions and provinces that are not under any wind signal, such as Bicol and Western Visayas.
“Under the influence of Typhoon Betty and the enhanced southwest monsoon, a marine gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboards of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas,” it added. (PNA)
