DepEd places schools on alert due to Super typhoon Francisco

ILOILO CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) has directed schools and field offices nationwide to intensify preparedness measures as Super Typhoon Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) remains inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

According to the 5 a.m. bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Tuesday, Francisco maintained its strength while further slowing over the sea east of Northern Luzon.

Eastern Visayas and the Bicol region are expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the trough of Francisco. Moderate to at times heavy rains could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

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READ: Super typhoon Francisco moves slowly near Cagayan; Signal No. 1 still up

Mindanao, the rest of the Visayas, and Palawan may also experience cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms caused by the southwest monsoon, with similar risks of flooding and landslides during periods of moderate to heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon are forecast to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized weather disturbances. Severe thunderstorms may still result in flash floods or landslides in susceptible communities.

In response, the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service urged schools, division offices, and regional offices to closely monitor weather bulletins and immediately disseminate updates to learners, teachers, and school personnel.

READ: Francisco now a supertyphoon

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The agency also directed schools to maintain communication channels, activate School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management teams and contingency plans when necessary, and coordinate with local government units and disaster risk reduction councils to strengthen preparedness efforts.

School officials were likewise advised to secure facilities, learning materials, and equipment against possible storm damage and to preposition emergency supplies and resources in line with existing disaster preparedness guidelines.

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“[DepEd] is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners and staff,” the advisory stated.

Pagasa’s forecast track showed Francisco continuing to move generally north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea while gradually intensifying.

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DepEd said it would continue monitoring the storm’s development and provide updates as necessary, urging schools and communities to remain vigilant as the weather disturbance affects Philippine waters./coa