MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has deployed 9,005 personnel and 2,048 units of heavy equipment to storm-affected regions, aiming to reopen critical roadways quickly in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Of the 93 national road sections disrupted by the storm, DPWH teams have already reopened 68 sections, with 25 remaining closed due to extensive flooding, landslides, rockfalls, and damaged bridges.
In specific regions:
Cordillera: Four sections are closed due to soil collapses, fallen trees, rockslides, and mudflow.
Cagayan Valley: Two sections remain inaccessible due to flooding.
Calabarzon: Five sections are closed, and seven others have limited access due to road and bridge collapses, mudslides, and flooding.
Mimaropa: One section is closed from a landslide.
Bicol: Twelve sections are closed due to flooding, landslides, and road collapses, while ten others have restricted access.
Central Visayas: One section is closed due to a road slip.
To ensure motorist safety, DPWH has placed warning signs along affected roads.
“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,” said DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
He added, “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. Through a comprehensive response and rapid deployment of resources, DPWH aims to assist in the timely recovery of affected communities.”
In addition to road clearing, DPWH teams are also working to clear and declog drainage systems to mitigate further flooding risks.
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