Polillo Island Suspends Classes Due to Tsunami Advisory
Polillo Island, located off the northern Quezon province’s Pacific coast, suspended classes at all levels on Wednesday following a tsunami advisory. The local government acted swiftly after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued Tsunami Advisory No. 2, warning of a possible minor sea-level disturbance affecting coastal areas like Quezon.
Mayor Angelique E. Bosque-Pico ordered the suspension as a precaution to protect students. The announcement, posted on the local government’s official Facebook page, emphasized the cancellation of all afternoon classes in both public and private schools to ensure safety amid the advisory.
Safety Measures and Public Guidance
Residents were urged to avoid going near the shoreline and to stay indoors while closely monitoring official advisories. Quezon Governor Angelina Tan also warned coastal communities facing the Pacific Ocean to steer clear of the shorelines between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m., the time when strong waves were expected to hit.
Phivolcs reported that tsunami waves under one meter in height might reach Philippine shores between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on July 30. This warning came after an 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Kamchatka, Russia’s east coast.
Impact on Nearby Municipalities and Islands
Polillo Island consists of the towns of Polillo, Burdeos, and Panukulan, with nearby islands such as Jomalig and Patnanungan forming part of the same group. Panukulan’s local government also suspended afternoon classes as a precaution. Meanwhile, other island towns did not cancel classes but strongly advised residents to stay away from coastal areas.
On the mainland, the town of Infanta, which faces the Pacific Ocean, followed suit. Mayor Lord Arnel Ruanto ordered the suspension of all afternoon classes to prioritize public safety during the advisory period.
Local leaders emphasized the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in responding to natural threats like tsunamis. They continue to encourage residents to heed official warnings and avoid unnecessary risks near the shoreline.
For more news and updates on tsunami advisories and safety protocols, visit Filipinokami.com.
