In response to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine,” the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has mobilized its Disaster and Incident Management Teams (DIMT) from Regional and District Engineering Offices across storm-affected areas. These teams are focused on ensuring public safety and restoring accessibility on roads and bridges disrupted by the storm.
As of 8:00 AM on October 25, 2024, DPWH has deployed 9,005 personnel and 2,048 units of heavy equipment as part of its Quick Response Assets (QRA) team. These resources are strategically positioned to expedite the clearing of debris and repairing affected road networks to restore transportation as swiftly as possible.
The Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” has caused significant transportation disruptions, affecting a total of 83 road sections nationwide. Of these, 51 sections have been successfully cleared, while 32 remain impassable due to severe conditions such as flooding, landslides, rockfalls, and bridge collapses.
Status of Road Closures by Region:
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Eight (8) road sections remain closed due to flooding, soil collapse, fallen trees, rock collapse, and mudslides.
- Region II: Two (2) road sections are impassable due to high water levels and severe flooding.
- Region III: One (1) road section is closed due to flooding and a washed-out detour road.
- Region IV-A: Six (6) road sections remain closed due to road collapses, fallen utility posts and trees, bridge collapse, mudslides, and flooding. An additional seven (7) road sections are partially passable due to ongoing floodwaters.
- Region V: Fifteen (15) road sections are closed, attributed to flooding, soil collapse, landslides, collapsed pavement, and mudflows. Seven (7) other road sections in this region have limited access due to flooding and sinking of road surfaces.
To aid motorists and ensure safety, warning signs have been placed on roads with limited access. DPWH continues to monitor the condition of national roads and bridges around the clock. The Department’s teams are poised to launch additional clearing and rehabilitation efforts as soon as weather conditions improve.
The DPWH has placed special emphasis on declogging and cleaning drainage systems, as well as removing debris from culverts to prevent further flooding. The Department remains on high alert to respond to any new emergencies and is committed to restoring normal traffic flow and connectivity in affected regions as soon as it is safe to do so. DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan emphasized, “Our teams are working tirelessly to clear and reopen roadways. Public safety remains our top priority, and we are ensuring that essential infrastructure is restored to support the ongoing relief and recovery efforts.”
With the DPWH’s comprehensive approach and quick deployment of resources, the Department aims to mitigate the impact of Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” and assist in the recovery of affected communities. (DPWH)
