52 PH schools being used as evacuation centers amid heavy rains – DepEd

A total of 52 schools are now being used as evacuation centers in five regions due to the combined effects of tropical cyclone Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat), according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Based on its latest supplemental report on Monday, the agency said schools are affected in Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Eastern Visayas.

“The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) is monitoring the southwest monsoon (habagat) impacts on Luzon and Visayas, focusing on areas at risk of heavy rain, flooding, and landslides,” it said.

“Combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon and former Tropical Cyclone Maymay have led to 52 schools opening as evacuation centers, using 239 classrooms and hosting 1,057 families," it added.

Of the total evacuees, the highest number of households staying in schools is logged in Calabarzon, with 614 families.

Those in Central Luzon followed at 336; Ilocos Region, 54; Eastern Visayas, 34; and Mimaropa, with 19 families.

The DepEd-DRRMS then recommended the activation of School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management teams to school division offices and schools, alongside contingency plans.

Close coordination with government units and other local disaster response councils is also urged, along with close monitoring of weather updates and immediate warning dissemination.

Schools were also reminded to protect resources such as learning materials, equipment, and buildings, while prepositioning emergency supplies and EduKahon resources for learners. -Philippine News Agency