The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured Thursday that its manpower and equipment are on standby for clearing operations in areas affected by Super Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-Rey).
“Naka-preposition na po ang manpower, composed of engineers, foreman, among others, as well as light and heavy equipment, also motor vehicles natin kung kakailanganin (Our manpower, composed of engineers, foreman, among others, as well as light and heavy equipment have been prepositioned, as well as motor vehicles if need be),” DPWH 1 (Ilocos Region) Assistant Regional Director Mathias Malenab said during the Special Report: Super Typhoon #LeonPH aired over PTV.
Malenab said this includes 1,113 personnel, along with 102 heavy equipment units, 85 motor vehicles, and 2,190 light equipment units.
He reported that so far, only the San Fernando-Magulin Road was affected by bad weather due to erode slope protection.
“One lane passable, but open to all types of vehicles,” Malenab said.
On the other hand, DPWH 2 (Cagayan Valley) Assistant Regional Director Editha Babaran said over 43 personnel, along with 11 heavy equipment, two motor vehicles, and 12 light equipment are on standby.
She also reported that the Itawes Bridge in Cagayan province is now impassable due to river overflow.
“Kasalukuyan nagre-respond ang regional office para mabuksan agad (The regional office is now responding to the situation for the bridge to be immediately opened),” she said.
Babaran, meanwhile, said clearing operations and damage assessment in the northernmost province of Batanes would commence once the weather conditions improve.
The province is still experiencing stormy weather as Leon moves closer to Taiwan. (PNA)