Roads to Cebu towns hit by ‘Odette’ now passable

(FILE PHOTO) Residents walk past downed electric pylons in Talisay town, Cebu province on December 17, 2021, a day after Super Typhoon Rai pummelled the southern and central regions of the Philippines. (Photo by Alan TANGCAWAN / AFP)

CEBU CITY––Access to Cebu towns devastated by Typhoon “Odette” has been restored.

Travel from Cebu City to the southernmost town of Santander is now possible.

The national road in southern Cebu is used by travelers heading for Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental province.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said parts of the national highway were given temporary patches to allow four-wheel vehicles to pass.

Access is important, especially for those carrying relief and essential items.

The governor inspected on Christmas Day the roads in the southern towns of Cebu to make sure these were passable.

A diversion road was created in Malabuyoc town, which was completely isolated in the aftermath of Odette.

“I am glad when I inspected the bridge (in Malabuyoc), instead of 15 days, the contractors said they will finish the bridge by Thursday,” Garcia said in a press briefing.

“All the towns are already accessible, but there are a few towns whose highways are still dark,” said added.

There are, however, portions of the highway where vehicles have to take turns in passing through one-lane access.

Garcia said volunteer construction firms have helped clear the roads.

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