• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a warning of heavy to intense rains (100 to 200mm) in Negros Occidental on November 24 and 25, due to a low pressure area (LPA) which is now inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
PAGASA said that the LPA now has a high chance to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.
Once that happens, it said that the weather system will be assigned the local name “Verbena.”
Mayor Richard Jaojoco yesterday issued an executive order suspending classes in all levels in Toboso, Negros Occidental, to allow families sufficient time to secure their safety, protect their properties, and prepare for potential weather-related hazards.
Classes for November 24 were also suspended in San Carlos City, E.B. Magalona, Moises Padilla, Silay City, Himamaylan City, Bacolod City, Victorias City, La Castellana, La Carlota, Murcia, and Hinigaran.
Should it continue on its forecast track, PAGASA said the storm is expected to mostly affect the majority of Visayas region and Southern Luzon.
With another storm expected in Negros, more than 1,000 families whose houses were destroyed by Typhoon Tino are still occupying evacuation centers, especially in La Castellana and Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Temporary shelters were also established by the Office of Civil Defense in Sitio Kotkot, Brgy. Biak-Na- Bato in La Castellana, as facilitated by the Philippine Coast Guard, according to Municipal Public Information Office Remuel Lajo.*
