La Trinidad suspends classes as heavy rains trigger landslides

Classes at all levels in public and private schools in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines, were suspended on Wednesday, Aug. 5, due to persistent heavy rains causing landslides and soil erosion, ordered by Mayor Roderick Awingan as a precaution for safety. The suspension follows reports of landslides and soil erosion near schools and critical facilities, with Pagasa forecasting 100 to 200 millimeters of rainfall in Benguet from Tuesday until Wednesday afternoon, prompting the precautionary measure. Authorities will use the suspension for Rapid Damage Assessment teams to inspect school buildings, while students are barred from loitering in commercial and recreational areas under local anti-truancy regulations.