Rains, landslides force closure of 11 roads, bridges across Luzon
CAUAYAN CITY—Torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” caused widespread damage to infrastructure in several provinces in Luzon, prompting the closure of at least 11 major roads and bridges due to landslides, flooding, and collapsed road sections.
In Isabela, the decades-old Sipat Bridge in Cauayan City, which connects District 3 and Barangay Labinab, was closed to traffic Thursday night after a portion of its approach collapsed around 8 p.m. due to persistent rainfall.
Cauayan Mayor Caesar Dy Jr. advised motorists to use alternative routes, particularly those heading to and from the villages in West Tabacal.
Although emergency repairs to the damaged vertical foundation allowed for the bridge’s reopening, local authorities have deployed police and barangay personnel to monitor safety conditions.
In Kalinga, a massive landslide buried the Sitio Kawkawayan section of the Pinukpuk-Balbalan Road on Friday morning, making it impassable. The slide brought down mud, rocks, and uprooted trees, according to the Pinukpuk police.
Clearing operations were ongoing until Friday afternoon, and motorists have been asked to take alternative routes.
Mud, debris
In Ifugao’s Lamut town, the Maleteng section of the Lucban-Bunog Road was closed to traffic due to a damaged approach.
The Payawan Overflow Bridge and Payawan-Lawig Road, also in Ifugao, were shut down due to landslides and swollen rivers.
According to the Lamut Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, sections of Lucban-Panopdopan, Bannit-Payawan, and Hollowon Ballitang Creek were cleared of mud and debris by Friday, although only one lane remained passable.
Heavy flooding was also reported along the Nayon and Lamut Rivers, while power outages affected the villages of Magulon, Lawig, Lucban, Mabatobato, and Sitio Halog in Nayon.
In Aritao town, Nueva Vizcaya, a portion of a newly constructed road in Barangay Kirang collapsed before dawn on Friday, causing a public utility jeep to fall into a ravine.
The driver and a companion sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital.
Classes suspended
In Zambales, a landslide along the boundary of Barangays San Rafael and Aglao in San Marcelino blocked a provincial road, also due to heavy monsoon rains. Clearing operations were under way as of Friday, concerned local officials said.
Because of the continued downpour, classes at all levels were suspended on Friday in several towns in Zambales, including Subic, Castillejos, San Antonio, San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, and nearby Olongapo City.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned that more moderate to heavy rainfall (50 millimeters to 100 millimeters) is expected in the coming days in Zambales and nearby provinces due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.
Local disaster councils are urging residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant as the rains continue.
