Alicaocao Bridge in Cauayan City is already closed because of high water level and strong current. —Photo courtesy of Kurt Dela Peña/INQUIRER.net
CAUAYAN CITY, ISABELA, Philippines — Most of the overflow bridges in Isabela are no longer passable because of the heavy rain brought by Kristine, a severe tropical storm expected to hit the province in the next few hours.
READ: Kristine to make landfall in Isabela on Wednesday night – Pagasa
As stated by the local government of Isabela, seven of the nine overflow bridges have been impassable as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23:
- Gucab and Annafunan Bridges in Echague town
- Alicaocao Bridge in Cauayan City
- Baculud and Cabisera 8 Bridges in Ilagan City
- Cansan Bridge connecting the towns of Sto. Tomas and Cabagan
- Sta. Maria Bridge connecting the towns of Sta. Maria and Cabagan
Intense rain and eventual release from Magat Dam triggered a rise in water level that made crossing these bridges treacherous.
The National Irrigation Administration said that Magat Dam’s water level is already at 182.4 meters, prompting them to open two of its spillway gates with an estimated discharge of 427 cubic meters per second.
Only one overflow bridge is currently passable—the Masaya Sur Bridge in San Agustin town—based on the latest list provided by the local government. The one in Reina Mercedes has been impassable even before the rains because of ongoing repairs.
The severe tropical storm, which is already close to the coastal waters of Isabela, is set to make landfall in the next few hours and traverse the mountainous landscape of northern Luzon.