LAOAG CITY— Tropical storm “Odette” (international name Khanun) has maintained its strength on Friday, prompting the suspension of classes in the entire province of Ilocos Norte.
Under Executive No. 66 s.2012, classes in the affected areas for pre-school, kindergarten, elementary and high school (including Senior High School) shall be automatically cancelled or suspended due to storm signal no. 2 in the province.
College classes and work both in public and private, however, will go on as usual. In Pagudpud town, a team from the Department of Public Works and Highways are on standby with a heavy equipment to ensure landslide-prone areas along the Patapat highway are passable to motorists and commuters.
Since Thursday, fishermen were already warned not to go fishing on a stormy weather.
As of this posting, the state of communication, water and power supply, including operations at the Laoag International Airport and Currimao seaport remain under normal condition.
As part of the disaster preparedness, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has already pre-position relief goods, medicines, equipment and generator sets in Resiliency Headquarters.
The Provincial Veterinary Office has also advised farmers to secure their livestock in animal shelters and provide animal feeds. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, 5057 Search and Rescue Team of the Philippine Air Force, Coast Guard and Philippine Army are also on alert status.
The Provincial Health Office has also activated its health emergency management ground including provision of ready medicines. (PNA)