As of 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, seven national road sections in Northern Luzon remain impassable due to the combined effects of Tropical Cyclones Nika, Ofel, and Pepito.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported additional road closures in Apayao, Ifugao, and Batanes caused by landslides, soil collapses, and washed-out infrastructure.
The DPWH Bureau of Maintenance identified the affected road sections as follows:
1. Claveria-Calanasan-Kabugao Road, Lacnab Section, Barangay Kabugawan, Calanasan, Apayao due to soil collapse.
2. Apayao (Calanasan)-Ilocos Norte Road, Ayayao Section, Barangay Eva, Calanasan, Apayao due to soil collapse.
3. Banaue-Hungduan-Benguet Bdry Road, Tukucan, Tinoc, Ifugao due to landslide.
4. Kalinga-Abra Road, Ableg, Pasil, Kalinga due to soil collapse and fallen trees.
5. Basco-Mahatao-Ivana-Uyugan -Imnajbu Road, Barangay Kayvaluganan and Itbud sections, Uyugan, Batanes due to landslide, mud and debris flow.
6. Dugo-San Vicente Road (Mission-Sta Ana Section) San Jose Bridge, San Jose, Gonzaga, Cagayan due to washed out bridge approach/road cut.
7. Cagayan-Apayao Road, Itawes Overflow Bridge 1 and 2, Sta Barbara, Piat, Cagayan, due to scoured bridge approach.
Meanwhile, DPWH Disaster and Incident Management Teams with Quick Response Assets in all regions of Luzon and in Region 8 are currently prepositioned for Typhoon Pepito.
The teams, composed of 6,697 manpower with 1,352 equipment, shall carry out road monitoring, reporting, clearing operations, and palliative measures on damaged infrastructure.