DPWH closes roads in typhoon-hit regions
By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:10:00 08/20/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Some national roads were closed to light vehicles and motorists advised to take alternate routes, while landslides threatened other road networks as typhoon “Karen” (international codename: Nuri) swept through northern Luzon Wednesday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.
As of posting time, DPWH Region 1 (Ilocos) Director Fidel Ginez said floods and landslides have shut down the Banaoang-Bantay, Baleleng-Bantay, San Fernando-Bagulin, and Luna-Bangar roads to light vehicles.
“Our maintenance crews are already conducting clearing operations. Warning signs on both ends of the affected areas were already installed to inform the incoming motorists,” Ginez said.
Travellers going to Baguio City are advised not to take Kennon Road because of possible landslides in the area. DPWH Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) director Mariano Alquiza said road-clearing equipment has also been deployed to Naguillan Road and the Marcos and Halsema highways.
The Cagayan Valley road is also being closely monitored for landslides.
Meanwhile, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane said emergency crews and equipment had been deployed to threatened road networks as early as Tuesday night.
“The weather bureau has already provided us with enough data on the predicted path of the typhoon. We must be ready for the worst case scenario to assure public safety.” he said.
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