malaysiang
Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Friday it has intensified its road clearing operations to ensure the safety of motorists and restore access to roads and bridges affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami).
In its 8 a.m. situation update, the department said it has cleared 51 road sections affected by the storm while 32 others remain impassable.
‘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,” Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said.
The DPWH has deployed 9,005 personnel and 2,048 units of heavy equipment as part of its Quick Response Assets team.
These resources are strategically positioned to expedite the clearing of debris and repair of affected road networks to restore transportation as swiftly as possible, it added.
The 32 closed road sections – 15 in Bicol, eight in Cordill
era, six in Calabarzon, two in Cagayan Valley, and one in Central Luzon – were affected by flooding, landslides, rockfalls, and bridge collapses.
Meanwhile, 14 road sections have limited access – seven each in Bicol and Calabarzon – due to floods and sinking of road surfaces.
The department has placed warning signs on roads with limited access to aid motorists. It will also conduct additional clearing and rehabilitation efforts once weather conditions improve.
It said “special emphasis” has also been placed on declogging and cleaning drainage systems, as well as removing debris from culverts to prevent further flooding.
Source: Philippines News agency
