DPWH: Cracks found along some national roads in Batangas
MANILA, Philippines – Several cracks caused by the earthquakes and fissures in the aftermath of the restive Taal Volcanohave have been spotted along national roads in Batangas province.
According to reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday, teams are now assessing national roads and bridges for possible damage brought by the volcanic tremors.
“Based on the 11 A.M. January 14, 2020 partial report of DPWH Batangas First District Engineering Office, all roads remain passable but major cracks appeared along Palico-Balayan-Batangas Road, K0121+520 and K0121+630, in Barangay Sinisian East; and at the K0127+430 section in Barangay Palanas, both in Lemery, Batangas,” DPWH said in its Facebook post.
“Other affected national road is the Lemery-Taal Diversion Road, K0128+(-80), K0128+550 section which has sustained major cracks and settlement due to ground shake,” it added.
DPWH said that they have installed signs to warn motorists of road hazards. However, they noted that no work would be done as ashfall and ground movement still occurs.
“Roads have been assessed but no further work will be implemented for the time being with the continuous ground movement and ashfall,” the department said.
“As soon as full assessment is done, and no ground movement can hamper construction activities, DPWH will immediately repair cracks and settlement along affected national roads,” DPWH assured.
Hundreds of earthquakes have hit Batangas and Cavite towns surrounding Taal Volcano, after it erupted last Sunday afternoon. Just from Monday night to Tuesday morning — where a Magnitude 4.1 quake rocked Agoncillo, Batangas — more than 40 earthquakes have been recorded.
READ: More than 40 quakes hound areas reeling from Taal Volcano’s eruption
The Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano, which means that an imminent eruption is about to happen in a span of hours or days.
On Tuesday, Phivolcs noted that while Taal Volcano’s lava fountain is weakening, it does not mean that the said volcano’s activities are dying down.
READ: Taal Volcano’s lava fountain weakens, but Phivolcs says it’s not sign of slowing down
READ: Shun ‘false sense of security’; Taal Volcano isn’t really easing up – Phivolcs
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