Typhoon Hagupit: Philippines suspends classes, work in three regions

Manila, Dec 8: The Philippines suspended on Monday, classes and work in government offices in three regions, including metropolitan Manila, as the country grapples with the massive Typhoon Hagupit (Ruby).

"By authority of the President (Benigno Aquino III), classes at all levels and work in government offices have been suspended by the executive secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. for Dec 8, except (in the case of) those agencies whose work involves the delivery of basic and health services, disaster response, and other vital public services, " said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, Xinhua reported.

As far as the private sector was concerned, Valte said that the discretion to suspend work rested with the individual companies and employers.

However, she said: "We urge employers to consider the circumstances of their employees brought about by the effects of Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit)."

Packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 120 kmph near the centre and gustiness of up to 150 kph, Typhoon Hagupit is expected to hit metropolitan Manila -- the national capital region of the Philippines Monday. It is forecast to move west-northwest at 10 kph.

Typhoon Hagupit reportedly has led to the death of at least three people and caused over 890,000 people to be evacuated in the Philippines.

IANS