MANILA — State weather PAGASA on Monday issued a general flood advisory for the entire Bicol region due to moderate to heavy rainfall.

The PAGASA Hydro-Meteorology Division warned local disaster offices in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes of potential flash floods triggered by the shear line, an area where cold and warm air meet. 

At 4:30 a.m., floodwaters were knee deep along the national highway in Barangay Mabanate, Pilar, Sorsogon.   

“Nasa 80 percent ng gulong [ang] taas po ng tubig. Kanina po yan na aga, ngayon medyo passable na po. Maraming bahay ang pinasok ng baha,” resident Ginalyn Obsum said. 

Due to the inclement weather, the local government of Casiguran in Sorsogon suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools. 

Sorsogon City suspended classes from preschool to secondary levels.

Meanwhile, Albay Acting Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao delegated the decision to suspend face-to-face classes to local government units (LGUs) and school administrations. 

As of 7:35 a.m., the following LGUs have implemented localized class suspension, according to Albay Public Information Office:

•Daraga (Kinder to Grade 12 only)

•Camalig

•Guinobatan

•Sto. Domingo

•Bacacay

•Pio Duran

•Malilipot

•Polangui

•Legazpi City

Despite the moderate to heavy rains, classes in Naga City and Camarines Sur have not yet been suspended. 

Water levels in major rivers are expected to remain below alert levels, according to the PAGASA Bicol River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center. 

But it warned of potential flooding in some roads and low-lying areas. Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. 

Shear line to bring thunderstorms to Metro Manila