Due to heavy rains: Landslides, no classes

CEBU, Philippines — Heavy rains brought by a shear line weather system forced the suspension of face-to-face classes across Cebu Province on Tuesday and triggered landslides in several barangays in Cebu City and nearby areas.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival announced the suspension of onsite classes early Tuesday morning, citing safety concerns and upon the recommendation of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC).

All public and private schools were directed to shift to modular or other alternative learning modes to protect students, teachers, and school personnel.

Local government units in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Daanbantayan, Tabogon, Medellin, Catmon, Cordova, Tabuelan, Minglanilla, Consolacion, San Fernando, Balamban, Danao City, Toledo City, Liloan, Compostela, Aloguinsan, Sibonga, Santa Fe, Bantayan, Carcar City, and Borbon likewise suspended in-person classes.

Landslides reported

The shear line-induced rains triggered landslides in Barangays Sapangdaku, Budlaan, Mabini, Kalunasan, and Pulangbato in Cebu City.

In Sapangdaku, fallen trees damaged several homes, prompting the immediate deployment of disaster response personnel. In Sitio Kamanggahan, Barangay Pulangbato, landslide debris inconvenienced residents, requiring assistance from the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW).

Barangay Mabini—identified as highly vulnerable even during light rains—experienced another landslide, with heavy equipment dispatched for clearing and site rectification.

In Sitio Lokana, Barangay Kalunasan, a house was partially damaged by a fallen tree, while a footbridge was rendered impassable.

“Our barangay captains know their standard operating procedures. If they see danger, they automatically decide to evacuate affected constituents. They just need to inform us of what support they require—equipment, food, or other assistance,” Archival said.

Councilor Dave Tumulak said most families in landslide-prone areas have temporarily stayed with relatives.

Weather outlook, flood warnings

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the shear line continues to affect the Visayas, bringing moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms.

Cebu City’s localized forecast showed overcast skies with thunderstorms, temperatures ranging from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, and a heat index of up to 31 degrees Celsius. Northeasterly winds of 15–30 kph were expected, keeping coastal waters moderately rough.

PAGASA’s general flood advisory for Central Visayas warned that rivers and tributaries in Cebu, including Cotcot, Mananga, Guinabasan, Balamban, and Subangdaku, remain at risk of swelling. A separate heavy rainfall warning placed Cebu City and several municipalities under a category where serious flooding is expected.

The City Government urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor official advisories. Evacuation centers were also readied for families whose homes were damaged or deemed at risk.

Talisay situation monitored

In Talisay City, authorities reported zero evacuees despite the rising water level of Mananga River.

Alvin Santillana, head of the Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), said proactive measures were implemented following torrential rains observed since Monday night.

Mananga River’s increasing water level at around 10 a.m. prompted the allocation of four to five vehicles for possible evacuation and the deployment of flood pumps.

“Ta-as na gyud ang tubig sa Mananga tungod sa ulan nga nag-overnight. Among gipahimangnoan ang mga residente nga mag-vigilant. If there’s a need to evacuate, mu-evacuate gyud sila,” Santillana said.

A tent city in Biasong housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) was relocated to higher ground to prevent flooding. Pallets were added to elevate belongings.

“The IDPs themselves moved their tents. Limited man among personnel, but we empower them to manage their temporary shelter,” Santillana said.

He added that mass preemptive evacuation was unnecessary at this time, but barangay officials remain on standby to act if conditions worsen.

Dangerous routes closed

Authorities warned motorists to avoid the Manipis area due to soil saturation and landslide risk, advising the use of the Uling–Naga Road instead.

Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas also ordered residents temporarily barred from passing through a dangerous slope in Sitio Nangka, Barangay Campo 4, after a viral video showed residents and students crossing a steep area using makeshift ladders.

The video, posted by Rose Abarias, showed children and adults navigating a hazardous route near a creek after a hanging bridge was damaged. Barangay Captain Rowena Edar confirmed the individuals were residents and said the route should not be used, especially during bad weather.

Edar said a hanging bridge completed in May last year was washed away by Typhoon Tino on November 4, 2025.

Jonathan Tumulak, head of the City of Talisay Traffic Operations Development Authority (CTTODA), said disaster responders and barangay officials were deployed to warn residents against using the area.

Similar incidents were reported in Tabuelan town, where a landslide at Bongon Bridge rendered Lugo Road impassable due to soil and debris.

Improving conditions

According to PAGASA, heavy rains were expected to subside by Tuesday night, with weather conditions in Cebu improving in the coming days.

“Improving na ang Cebu. Ang shear line muapekto na sa Eastern Visayas ug sa portions sa Luzon,” PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City residents can now access live monitoring of river levels and road conditions through social media.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the city’s first-ever real-time livestreaming of the Butuanon and Mahiga rivers during Tropical Storm Basyang will now be adopted as a standard disaster preparedness measure.

“Mao na ni siya atong buhaton,” Ouano said during his visit to the Mandaue City Command Center on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.— with reports from UP interns Hannah Gresha Abayon and Lynda Katherine B. Mecaros