Bridge in Davao Oriental impassable due to ‘Chedeng’

DAVAO CITY — A bridge in Mati, Davao Oriental is now impassable due to damage caused by Tropical Depression “Chedeng” as it moved closer towards Davao Occidental on Tuesday morning.

The municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) of Tarragona said on Tuesday that Masipit bridge located at Sitio Buhangin, Barangay Central, Tarragona was “unstable.”

The MDRRMO said, “all vehicles from Mati and to Mati are temporarily held due to scouring making the bridge unstable.”

It added that it was coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for an assessment of the bridge.

Clearing operations conducted by the DPWH office was ongoing, it said.

In Davao, the city disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) had ordered the preemptive evacuation of families residing in low-lying areas as Chedeng was expected to bring heavy rains across the Davao region.

The disaster unit has advised residents of eight disaster-prone areas to evacuate:

1. Matina Crossing (Purok Guadalupe, Quiniones Compound, Pluto St. GSIS, Shrine Hills Diversion Road, Milky Way St. and Virgo St. GSIS Heights)
2. Barangay Mandug (DDF Village Mandug)
3. Barangay Buhangin (Purok Damayan)
4. Barangay Maa (Juario Village, Purok 9, Shrine Hills, Nacilla Village, Shrine Hills, Dinaville Subdivision, Iñigues Village)
5. Barangay 19 (Awhag Subd., Davao River Bank)
6. Barangay Matina Pangi (Diversion Road, Old Dumpsite)
7. Barangay Tigatto (Purok 16)
8. Talomo (Bypass Road)