LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The province of Ilocos Norte remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No.1 as Typhoon Betty moves over the waters of east of Cagayan.
This is based on the latest weather bulletin from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) on May 29.
To date, the province is experiencing sunny and cloudy with intermittent light rains.
As part of their safety measures and to minimize the possible adverse effects of Betty, some local government units (LGUs) have announced class suspensions.
Solsona Mayor Joseph de Lara has signed Administrative Order JEL No. 25 s.2023, declaring suspension of classes in all levels from May 29-30.
Moreover, Batac City Mayor Albert Chua issued Executive Order No. 2023-24, ordering the suspension of classes of pre-school to secondary levels in public and private schools on May 29.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education-Ilocos Norte announced that based on Deped Order No. 037 s.2022, in-person classes of Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) are automatically suspended. Schools are advised to shift to Modular Distance Learning or other learning modalities.
A pre-emptive evacuation was also conducted to 12 families composed of 42 individuals from Barangay Lanao in Bangui town. They were evacuated in the Lanao Barangay Hall and were given food packs and hygiene kits by the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO).
“Inaasahan na magkakaroon tayo ng heavy rains dito sa Ilocos Norte. Pero, mas inaasahan natin yung mas matinding pag-uulan bukas [Martes],” said Engr. Cynthia Iglesia from PAGASA-Ilocos Norte in a media interview.
Citing the weather bureau’s forecast, about 50-100mm of accumulated rainfall will be expected on Tuesday until Wednesday.
Betty is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)