Local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines have announced class suspensions for October 30 to 31, 2024, in response to Typhoon Leon’s approach. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm intensified rapidly, with the potential to develop into a super typhoon by Thursday. As of Tuesday evening, October 29, PAGASA placed several regions, including northern Luzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and parts of the Cagayan Valley, under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2.
Class Suspension Details
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, the following LGUs have canceled classes, especially face-to-face sessions, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Batangas
- Calaca: Suspension of face-to-face classes until October 31.
- Lemery: Classes are suspended until October 31.
- Nasugbu: Face-to-face classes are suspended until October 31.
- San Luis: Face-to-face classes are suspended until October 31.
- Talisay: Face-to-face classes are suspended until October 31.
Cagayan
- Camalaniugan: All classes suspended.
- Santa Praxedes: Classes are suspended in public schools only.
Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur
- Camarines Norte: Face-to-face classes are suspended until further notice.
- Camarines Sur: All classes are suspended until further notice.
Laguna
- Bay, Biñan, Cabuyao, Magdalena, Pagsanjan, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Los Baños, and Paete: Face-to-face classes are canceled until October 31, with public schools primarily affected in Los Baños and Paete.
- Calamba and Santa Rosa: Face-to-face classes are suspended until October 31, with public schools only affected in Santa Rosa.
Sorsogon
- Castilla and Sorsogon City: Classes are suspended until further notice.
Cavite
- Noveleta: Face-to-face classes are suspended until October 30 in public schools.
Apayao, Antique, and Nueva Ecija
- Apayao: All classes suspended.
- Antique (Anini-y): Classes suspended until further notice.
- Nueva Ecija (Talavera): All classes suspended.
Quezon
- Infanta, Gumaca, Real, and Tagkawayan: All classes are suspended.
PAGASA’s latest bulletin emphasized that Typhoon Leon continues to gather strength and may upgrade to a super typhoon by October 31, which raises concerns about severe weather conditions and potential disruptions. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding are expected across several areas. The agency has warned the affected regions to prepare for possible hazards, such as flash floods, landslides, and disruptions in transportation and essential services.
Public Advisory
PAGASA has advised residents to stay updated on local weather forecasts and announcements from LGUs. Residents are encouraged to prepare emergency kits, secure properties, and stay indoors as much as possible. The Department of Education (DepEd) has reminded school administrators and teachers in affected areas to prioritize safety and ensure compliance with class suspensions.
As the typhoon moves closer to the landmass, precautionary measures are underway across many provinces, including contingency plans for potential evacuations, road closures, and power interruptions. With Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in effect over several regions, public awareness is essential, especially in areas prone to landslides and riverine flooding.