Storm Molave brings downpour, flood to N Philippines

MANILA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Tropical storm Molave (locally known as "Isang") brought heavy downpour and flood on Friday to Manila and other areas in north Philippines, grounding airplanes and making the authorities suspend work in government offices and classes in schools.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 15 domestic flights were canceled due to the storm, local media reported. Most of the affected flights were to or from Manila.

Meanwhile, the presidential palace announced the suspension of work on Friday in government offices.

Classes at the pre-school, elementary and high school levels in the National Capital Region were likewise suspended. Some universities and colleges in Manila have also called off classes, the Philippine Star said in an online report.

In its latest report, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that Molave was 150 kilometers east southeast of Aparri, Cagayan province at 4 a.m. local time (2000 GMT Thursday) with maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 100 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 15 kph.

Molave is expected to leave the Philippines by Sunday, according to the weather agency.