Classes in all levels in Benguet and Baguio City suspended; portion of main road along La Trinidad eroded

By Susan C. Aro

Wednesday 15th of August 2012

BAGUIO CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) - - Classes in all levels in the city and in Benguet province are suspended today due to the strong rains brought about by tropical storm Helen.

City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan announced the suspension of classes in all levels early this morning. Both areas are under storm signal No. 2 as raised by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Based on the signal raised by PAGASA, Signal No. 1 would be an automatic suspension for the public and private pre-school and kindergarten classes in the affected areas. At Signal No. 2 ,the suspension includes elementary and secondary classes and when Signal No. 3 is announced, classes in all levels are suspended.

But with the strong rains since last night, Domogan and Fongwan used the discretion given the local chief executive (LCE) being the chairperson of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, to declare suspension of classes and work based on effect of the weather condition in the area.

Meanwhile, a portion of the national highway in Km. 3, La Trinidad, Benguet which started to sink during the continuous rains brought about by typhoon Gener and the southwest monsoon, had eroded this morning causing traffic jam along the major thoroughfare to Baguio City.

One lane is still open and passable for light vehicles but heavy vehicles such as trucks are advised to detour at Pico-Lamtang Road.

All main roads to Baguio City are open to traffic. (SCA PIA-CAR/Baguio)