By Tony Chavez
Following severe tropical storm Kristine, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified efforts to restore accessibility and ensure public safety across storm-affected areas. Mobilizing Disaster and Incident Management Teams (DIMT) from Regional and District Engineering Offices, DPWH has prioritized rapid deployment to address the storm’s impact on infrastructure.
As of 6:00 AM on October 26, 2024, DPWH has deployed 9,005 personnel and 2,048 units of heavy equipment through its Quick Response Assets (QRA). These resources have been strategically positioned to expedite debris clearing and immediate road repairs to reopen critical transport routes as quickly as possible.
The storm has disrupted 93 road sections nationwide. DPWH has successfully reopened 68 sections, while 25 remain impassable due to severe flooding, landslides, rockfalls, and collapsed bridges.
Road Closures by Region:
• Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Four (4) sections are closed due to soil collapse, fallen trees, rockslides, landslides, and mudflow.
• Region II: Two (2) sections are closed due to flooding.
• Region IV-A: Five (5) sections are closed due to road and bridge collapse, mudslides, and flooding; seven (7) additional sections have limited access.
• Region IV-B: One (1) section is closed due to a landslide.
• Region V: Twelve (12) sections are closed due to flooding, landslides, and road collapse; ten (10) sections with limited access.
• Region VII: One (1) section is closed due to a road slip.
To protect motorists, DPWH has placed warning signs along roads with limited access.
By promptly deploying personnel and equipment, the Department aims to restore vital infrastructure and support communities in their recovery.
“Our teams are working around the clock to restore safe and accessible roadways, understanding that these are vital lifelines for communities impacted by the storm. By doing so, we aim to facilitate the efficient delivery of relief supplies, medical assistance, and other essential services to affected areas, supporting efforts to rebuild and recover from this crisis, said DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan
DPWH aims to assist in the timely recovery of affected communities through a comprehensive response and rapid deployment of resources.
In addition to road clearing, DPWH focuses on cleaning and declogging drainage systems to prevent further flooding.
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