Landslides hit 5 major road networks in Catanduanes; Classes suspended

LEGAZPI CITY—-Five major road networks in the towns of Viga, Caramoran, and Gigmoto in Catanduanes province were hit by landslide caused by heavy rain from Tropical Depression “Agaton” on Wednesday.

Lucy Castañeda, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol spokesperson, said in an interview that the affected road networks were the Catanduanes Circumferential Road in Barangay Summit in Viga, Barangay Giamlong in Caramoran; and the Baras-Gigmoto-Viga Road in barangays Dororan and Biong in Gigmoto.

She said the affected roads were not passable to all types of vehicles as landslide debris covered the two-lane road in these areas.

In Sorsogon, landslide also rendered impassable on Wednesday morning the Ariman-Casiguran Road in Barangay Bentuco of Gubat town.

Castañeda said government engineers and heavy equipment were deployed to clear the areas hit by landslide.

Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua ordered, also on Wednesday, the suspension of classes in all levels in the island province due to heavy rain.

Cua directed all public and private schools and universities to suspend classes as a precautionary measure in view of heightened risks to public health, safety and welfare.

The Governor also directed the 11 Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (MDRRMC) to be prepared to carry out their respective disaster risk and reduction plans in areas prone to flood, wind, landslides and storm surges.

He also advised the various MDRRMC to undertake the proper disaster management protocols such as possible evacuation of residents living in areas prone to flood, landslide and storm surges.

He also directed the MDRRMC to conduct an inventory of the number of vulnerable population groups that need to be evacuated once the weather situation worsens. Mar S. Arguelles, Inquirer Southern Luzon