MANILA - The Department of Education (DepEd) canceled classes in parts of Metro Manila Thursday, August 6, due to heavy rains brought on by typhoon Kiko (international codename Morakot), while the Senate and the House of Representatives suspended work in the afternoon.

DepEd National Capital Region director Teresita Domalanta said classes in pre-school, elementary, and high school levels are suspended in the following areas:

* Manila City
* Caloocan City
* Pasay City
* Valenzuela City
* Taguig-Pateros

The offices of House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile also suspended work in the afternoon.

As of 11 a.m., typhoon Kiko has maintained its course and continues to move towards Northern Taiwan.

Packing 130 kph winds and gusts of up to 160 kph, Kiko was sighted 620 km northeast of Basco, Batanes. The typhoon is forecast to reach 450 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes by Friday morning.

Storm Signal no. 1 remains hoisted in Batanes.

Weather bureau PAGASA advised residents in low lying areas and near mountain slopes to take all the necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides.