Rain Shuts Schools, Government Offices in Philippine Capital

(Bloomberg) -- Authorities shut schools and government offices in the Philippine capital region due to heavy rain that flooded low-lying areas.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea suspended work in government offices and classes in public and private schools in Metro Manila effective 3 p.m. Manila time, according to a memorandum from President Rodrigo Duterte’s office. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also ordered personnel in its Manila and Quezon City offices to go home, it said in a separate advisory.

A southwest monsoon, enhanced by a developing storm east of Catanduanes province, is bringing heavy rains to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. A lightning red alert before noon briefly suspended flight and ground operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

The Supreme Court early Friday suspended work in all courts in Metro Manila, while majority of city mayors ordered students to go home.

About 20 cyclones pass through disaster-prone Philippines each year.

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