Landslide blocks Iligan-Bukidnon road

Higaonon tribesmen carry a motorcycle across the huge mound that is blocking the Iligan-Bukidnon road in Rogongon village, Iligan City. (Photo by: Richel V. Umel, Inquirer Mindanao)

ILIGAN CITY – Sustained heavy rains from Monday afternoon until evening spawned a landslide in hinterland Rogongon village in this city, blocking passage in a portion of the road going to Bukidnon province.

Rogongon village chief Rady Pugoy said some 50 meters of road stretch is completely covered with mud and rocks, preventing even motorcycles and pedestrians from passing through.

The road is an alternative route to Cagayan de Oro City via the hinterlands.

Vincent Labial, spokesperson of the Lanao del Norte 2nd Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH), said some 30 personnel and equipment have been deployed to the area to clear the debris.

Labial added that district engineer Alykhan Umpa Ali had ordered the road cleared within 24 hours.

Engineer Efren Tulod, maintenance head of the DPWH district, estimated that some 8,000 cubic meters of debris blocked the road.

Last week, part of the land below the concrete highway caved in, necessitating that these be opened only to light vehicles to prevent road collapse while the repair is being undertaken.

LZB