Valencia City, Bukidnon, has been placed on high alert as heavy rains from Typhoon Inday, or Bavi, and the enhanced southwest monsoon cause flooding across multiple barangays.
Classes were suspended at all levels on Thursday afternoon, with City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief June Ray Valero recommending this action to ensure the safety of students and faculty.
Following the announcement, traffic congestion surged in the city as parents hurried to retrieve their children from schools.
Impact of Typhoon Inday on Valencia City
All 31 barangays are on heightened alert as persistent rains threaten flood- and landslide-prone communities.
June Ray Valero, CDRRMO Chief
Valero emphasized that Valencia City is especially susceptible to flooding due to its location as a catch basin for the Pulangi river system.
Areas like Barangay Laligan also experienced flooding, but water levels began to recede by Thursday afternoon.
Barangay disaster teams remain active, monitoring weather developments and river conditions as heavy rains are anticipated to continue.
Additionally, Cabanglasan town's Mayor Bernie Castillanes has ordered a similar suspension of classes to safeguard students.