Five Roads Impassable Amid Bad Weather in Cordillera and Cagayan Valley
Several sections of five national roads in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley have become impassable amid severe weather conditions, officials reported on Saturday morning. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed that these road closures resulted from soil collapses, rockslides, and flooding caused by continuous bad weather.
Road Closures Due to Soil and Rock Collapses
The DPWH advisory issued at 10 a.m. identified the following roads as closed due to hazardous conditions:
- Baguio–Itogon Road in Sitio Goldfield, Barangay Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet, has been blocked by soil collapse.
- Balbalan–Pinukpuk Road at Pinukpuk Junction, Kalinga, is inaccessible due to soil collapse.
- Lubuagan-Batong Buhay-Abra Boundary Road in Balatoc, Pasil, Kalinga, was closed following soil and rock collapse.
- Cabagan–Sta. Maria Road in Barangay Casibarag Norte, Cabagan, and Maozzozzin, Sta. Maria, Isabela, is submerged due to high water levels at the Overflow Bridge.
- Cagayan–Apayao Road in Piat, Cagayan, was cut off because of a scoured bridge approach near the Itawes Overflow Bridge 1.
Limited Access for Light Vehicles on Affected Roads
Meanwhile, the DPWH reported that some roads remain passable only to light vehicles due to damage:
- Kennon Road in Sitio Camp 2 and along the Rockshed approach in Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet, is compromised by soil collapse, damaged slope protection, and road slips.
- Luyang-Poo–Lazi Road in Cangomantong, Lazi, Siquijor, experiences road slips limiting access.
Preparedness and Response Efforts Underway
In preparation for ongoing adverse weather, the DPWH has deployed 7,209 personnel and 1,347 units of equipment as Quick Response Assets throughout Luzon, the Negros Island Region, and Region VIII. These resources aim to assist in clearing roads and restoring access as soon as conditions permit, community members noted.
Weather Forecast Worsens Road Conditions
The combined effects of the southwest monsoon (habagat) and Tropical Depression Lannie are expected to bring strong to gale-force winds over the Ilocos Region, Cagayan, and Isabela. The state weather agency warned that these conditions could further deteriorate road safety and accessibility in the affected areas, local leaders said.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of key transport routes to natural hazards during the rainy season. Motorists and residents are advised to stay updated on road conditions and avoid travel in affected areas until authorities declare them safe.
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