AUTHORITIES closed a major road link famous for its mountain resorts in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, as Tropical Storm Basyang (international name: Penha) moved closer to Mindanao on Thursday.
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 10 temporarily closed the Gingoog City–Claveria–Villanueva road at noon Thursday. Officials cited the high risk of landslides along several mountainous sections of the highway as the primary reason for the closure.
In Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Rolando Uy declared a suspension of work for all government offices within the city. The order took effect at noon Thursday and remains in place until Friday noon.
The work stoppage follows Mayor Uy’s earlier decision to suspend face-to-face classes for all elementary and secondary schools across the city to ensure the safety of students and faculty.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Basyang was tracked 295 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, at around 11 a.m. Thursday. The storm is moving westward at 25 kph.
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