The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is stepping up operations across storm-affected areas to quicken the restoration of accessibility and ensure public safety, following the effects of severe tropical storm ‘Kristine.’
At 6 AM on Saturday, October 26, the DPWH said that they had deployed 9,005 personnel and 2,048 units of heavy equipment through its Quick Response Assets (QRA). They have also prioritized the rapid deployment of Mobilizing Disaster and Incident Management Teams (DIMT) from Regional and District Engineering Offices, to address the storm's impact on infrastructure.
The DPWH informed that these resources have been strategically positioned to expedite debris clearing and immediate road repairs to reopen critical transport routes as quickly as possible.
Out of the 93 disrupted road sections nationwide, 68 sections were successfully reopened; While 25 remain impassable due to severe conditions, including flooding, landslides, rockfalls, and collapsed bridges.
“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,” DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said.
In addition to the operations, the DPWH also indicated roads closures in the following regions:
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) - 4 sections are closed due to soil collapse, fallen trees, rockslides, landslides, and mudflow
- Region II - 2 sections are closed due to flooding
- Region IV-A - 5 sections are closed due to road and bridge collapses, mudslides, and flooding; while 7 additional sections have limited access
- Region IV-B - 1 section is closed due to landslide
- Region V - 12 sections are closed due to flooding, landslides, and road collapse; while 10 sections have limited access
- Region VII - 1 section is closed due to road slip
The DPWH placed warning signs along roads with limited access to protect motorists.
Besides road clearing, the DPWH is also focusing on cleaning and unclogging drainage systems to prevent further flooding.
