Pangasinan on Monday declared a blue alert as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised due to Tropical Depression Gener.

Blue alert requires 60 percent of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) staff to be on standby and for rescue response equipment to be prepositioned, according to a phone interview with assistant director Pia Flores.

“We had a meeting with the other members of the PDRRMO council for coordination of their respective preparedness measures. We have disseminated information yesterday, even without the gale warning yet, to our counterparts in the local government units to discourage fisherfolk from setting sail,” she said.

The gale warning was eventually issued Monday.

Flores said they are monitoring the Marusay River in Calasiao, still above normal level as of posting time, as it could cause flooding once Gener and the southwest monsoon bring heavy rainfall.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III declared suspension of classes in all levels of public and private schools Tuesday.

“Based on the trajectory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Tropical Depression Gener will make its landfall in the provinces of Isabela and Aurora and will exit on the coast of Pangasinan or La Union,” Flores said.

It is expected to bring rainfall, especially in the western part of Pangasinan, she added. (PNA)