17 storm-damaged road sections remain closed, DPWH deploys personnel for repairs

As of Monday morning, 17 storm-devastated road sections remain impassable due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that out of the 93 affected road sections nationwide, 68 have been reopened with a total of 9,005 personnel and 2,048 units of heavy equipment deployed for clearing debris and repairing roads.

Specifically, closed national roads include eight in Bicol Region, three in Calabarzon, two in Central Luzon, one each in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, and Central Visayas due to flooding, soil collapse, fallen trees, landslides, mudslides, and debris flow.

Additionally, three national bridges are not passable to vehicles: Itawes Bridge in Cagayan-Apayao Road, Bugaan Bridge in Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo, Batangas, and Waras Bridge in Baao-Iriga City-Nabua Road, Camarines Sur.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan stated that efforts aim to restore vital transport routes for the efficient delivery of relief supplies and medical assistance to affected communities while warning signs are placed along roads with limited access.