The 200-meter section of Daang Maharlika in Barangay Pancho Villa, Sogod, Southern Leyte remains closed due to threat of recurring landslide in the area.
District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia of Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DEO) said initial findings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) confirmed the presence of active ground movements along the road stretch hence the continued closure of the road.
“DPWH personnel also noticed growing cracks in the area, a clear evidence of impending landslide. A week ago, the crack was only three (3) meters but it has now widened to eight (8) meters,” said Junia.
“No vehicle is allowed to pass the affected road section as DPWH continues to work on preventing a major landslide and monitor the situation. The road will remain closed until the problem is fixed,” said Junia.
The MGB highly recommends that landslide mass be covered with barriers by excavating the overburden material, directing the surface water away from the landslide area by constructing drainage channel along the slope, and installing weep holes.
In the meantime, motorists bound for Mindanao using Benit Port in Southern Leyte are advised to take the longer Tacloban–Mahaplag–Baybay –Bato–Bontoc – Sogod – Daang Maharlika – Liloan – San Ricardo road route or the Abuyog-Silago Road.