The Palace announced a suspension of classes on all levels and government work on October 25 (Friday) as Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami) continued to dump heavy rains in parts of the country.

And while the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier said Kristine will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday, there is a possibility that it will loop back to the country over the weekend.

“There is a developing forecast situation wherein Kristine will be looping over the West Philippine Sea on Sunday (October 27) and Monday (October 28) and move eastward or east northwestward towards the general direction of the PAR region,” PAGASA said.

This, however, ”heavily depends” on how the low pressure area (LPA) east of northeastern Mindanaowill behave in the next 24 hours, PAGASA said.

The LPA is expected to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

CLASS AND GOVT WORK SUSPENSION

The Palace said that the suspension of classes on Friday was also necessary to facilitate rescue and relief efforts amid Kristine’s wrath.

“Due to the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in most areas of Luzon in view of the persistent intense rainfall and strong winds brought about by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, to further aid in the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts of the government, and upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, work in government offices and classes at all levels in Luzon are hereby suspended on 25 October 2024,” the Palace said in a statement.

“​Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services are hereby directed to continue their operations and render the necessary services,” it added,

​The suspension of work for private companies and offices remains discretionary.