Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 19) — Davao City has suspended classes in all levels in all public and private schools on Jan. 19, Friday due to heavy rains caused by the shear line.
The city government said the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) Mindanao Regional Services Division (MPRSD) issued a yellow warning level with possible flooding in low-lying landslides in mountainous areas in the region.
PAGASA Davao River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center also released a flood advisory indicating various rivers in the city at critical and alert levels.
City disaster officials have already called for a preemptive and mandatory evacuation in many areas.
In its 4 a.m. update, PAGASA said the effect of the shear line is weakening in most parts of Mindanao. Weather specialist Benison Estareja added that rainfall in the Caraga and Davao regions will lessen.
“Ang pag-ulan light to moderate simula umaga hanggang hapon,” he said. “Mababawasan na pagdating ng gabi.”
[Translation: Rains will be light to moderate from morning to afternoon. It will be less by nightfall.]
The Philippine National Police earlier reported that seven people were killed and four others were seriously injured following a landslide in Mt. Diwata, Davao de Oro.
READ: 7 dead, 4 injured in Davao de Oro landslide – PNP
Nearly 45,000 families, or over 187,000 people have been affected by flooding and landslides in the region, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
