Damaged roads, bridges isolate communities in Surigao, Agusan

Only motorcycles can pass through this mountain road at Barangay Babuyan in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, after landslides hit the village. —ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

CARRASCAL, SURIGAO DEL SUR—Several communities here and in the neighboring province of Agusan del Norte remained isolated following the onslaught of Tropical Depression “Basyang,” (international name: Sanba) which damaged bridges and rendered roads impassable, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Caraga region said on Thursday.

Pol delos Santos, acting DPWH regional director, said interior communities of Jabonga town in Agusan del Norte could not be reached after a portion of the Cuyago Road collapsed.

The main road leading to this town’s Babuyan village had yet to be cleared of debris. Its hanging bridge was swept away by strong current.

Only a lane of San Roque Road in Kitcharao town was passable while the Puyo Bridge in Jabonga could only accommodate motorcycles as of Thursday.

The local governments of Carrascal and Lanuza in this province declared a state of calamity on Thursday, Delos Santos said. —ERWIN MASCARIÑAS