By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Heavy rains triggered by a shear line have prompted the suspension of classes across Agusan del Sur and parts of Surigao del Sur on Thursday, Feb. 19, as authorities warned of possible flooding and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.
Intermittent rainfall began early Thursday morning and continued throughout the day, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to place the provinces under orange to red rainfall warnings starting at noon.
The shear line — a convergence of cold northeasterly winds and warm easterlies — is expected to bring moderate to at times heavy rain, scattered thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional downpours across the Caraga region.
In Agusan del Sur, provincial officials ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, due to persistent rainfall and the threat of rising river levels. Governor Santiago Cane Jr. announced that the suspension is effective 1 p.m. Thursday, while the status of work in government offices remains under review.
“I just received an advisory from PAGASA through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). Suspension of classes at all levels in the entire province is hereby declared effective 1 p.m., February 19, 2026. Suspension of work in government offices is not included yet. Executive Order will follow,” the governor said on his social media page.
PAGASA also issued General Flood Advisory No. 3 for the Agusan River Basin, warning of possible flooding in low-lying areas along major rivers and tributaries, including Ojot, Wawa, Libang, Maosam, Kasilan, Gibong, Adgawan, Simulao, Kayonan, and Andanan.
Local disaster offices were urged to monitor conditions closely and prepare response measures, particularly in barangays prone to flooding and landslides. Residents were advised to follow updates via PAGASA and the PDRRMO Agusan del Sur.
In Surigao del Sur, Governor Johnny Pimentel advised that a stretch of the Surigao–Davao Coastal Road from Sibahay Bridge in Lanuza to Junction Cortes is temporarily closed to all vehicles due to flooding and soil collapse.
“The safety of the traveling public is our primary concern. Our Provincial Engineering Office, PDRRMO, and municipal teams are working non-stop on clearing operations and interventions to restore safe passage as soon as possible,” Pimentel said.
Meanwhile, in Bislig City, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) – Operations and Warning Division continues to monitor the situation as heavy rains affect multiple barangays. Rising water levels, flooding, and rain-related incidents have been reported in Bucto, Pamanlinan, Maharlika (Purok 1), Mone, Mangagoy (Tabon Bridge area), Comawas, and Tabon (Post 12), where a landslide occurred. Coastal flooding and road inundation were also observed in Poblacion, while residential areas in Mangagoy (Bogac District) remain waterlogged.
Authorities noted that water levels in rivers, creeks, and coastal areas have significantly increased, while saturated soils have triggered localized landslides in elevated barangays. Residents in affected and flood-prone areas are advised to stay alert and follow guidance from local disaster management teams, which continue to coordinate response and evacuation measures as needed.
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