LANDSLIDE. Maintenance operations by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Caraga Region at the Bislig-Trento highway in Lingig, Surigao del Sur after a landslide on Tuesday morning, (Jan. 16, 2024). A shear line continues to bring heavy rains in most parts of the region, causing floods and the suspension of sea travels and classes. (Photo courtesy of DPWH-13)
BUTUAN CITY – All units under the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMOs) in the Caraga region have been activated due to the threat of floods brought by a shear line since Monday.
As of Tuesday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that the region will continue to experience rain showers and localized thunderstorms.
A shear line happens when the cold northeasterly winds and warm easterlies converge, according to the weather bureau.
The Coast Guard Stations in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur also issued orders for the temporary suspension of sea travels for vessels and watercraft with 150 tonnages below due to rough sea conditions.
Necessary preparations
In Surigao del Sur, Gov. Alexander Pimentel ordered all mayors in the province to declare at their discretion the suspension of classes due to the continuing heavy rains.
“All mayors are also urged to make the necessary preparations to respond to any eventualities due to the prevailing weather conditions affecting the province,” Pimentel said.
In San Miguel town, the local DRRMO alerted residents to prepare for evacuations as two gates of an irrigation dam in Barangay Sagbayan were opened since Monday due to critical water level conditions.
A no-sail policy was issued in Tandag City and other towns to ensure the safety of fisherfolk and fishing communities.
In Agusan del Sur, the municipal DRRMOs are closely monitoring the rising water levels of major river systems and irrigation dams.
Flooding
In Prosperidad town, the Gibong irrigation system also opened its sluice gate due to the increasing water levels.
In Sta. Josefa municipality, the local government advised village DRRMOs to prepare for preemptive evacuations as water level at the Sta. Isabel Bridge reached the critical level of 5.6 meters.
Reports of flooded areas were also reported in the towns of Trento, San Francisco, and Bunawan.
Local government units in the province issued temporary suspension of classes in all levels of public and private schools.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Caraga (DPWH-13) said maintenance was being conducted in a portion of the Bislig-Trento National Highway, particularly in Barangay Pagbatakan, Lingig, Surigao del Sur, after a landslide.
Only one lane of the highway is passable as of posting time. (PNA)
