Classes, gov't work suspended in Metro Manila, 37 provinces due to Dante, Emong

Classes and government work were suspended in Metro Manila and 37 provinces on Thursday, July 24, due to heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon and two tropical cyclones, Tropical Storm Dante and Severe Tropical Storm Emong.

Malacañang issued the suspension through Memorandum Circular No. 91, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Government agencies involved in basic, health, and disaster response services in the affected areas were required to remain operational.

Non-essential government personnel in affected areas were permitted to implement alternative work arrangements, with the private sector encouraged to adopt flexible work arrangements.

Tropical Storm Dante was located 835 kilometers east northeast of extreme northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph, moving north northwest at 25 kph.

Dante is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea for the next 24 hours before turning west northwest and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility this afternoon or tonight.

Severe Tropical Storm Emong was spotted 150 kilometers west of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, also with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph, moving southwestward at 20 kph.