Luis destroys Bicol bridges

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Rains spawned by Tropical Storm Luis destroyed bridges in Catanduanes and Masbate, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol region said yesterday.

Raffy Alejandro, Bicol OCD regional director, said a detour bridge in Virac, Ca-tanduanes was swept away by flashfloods.

Two other bridges in Milagros and Mobo towns in Masbate were impassable.

Alejandro said there were 668 people, 78 rolling cargo, 15 sea vessels and three motorized bancas were stranded in several ports in Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Camarines Sur.

Flights at the Naga City and Virac airports were cancelled as of 11 a.m. yesterday.

He said a public storm warning signal previously raised in Catanduanes has been lifted, but sea travel remained cancelled as inclement weather continued.

In Isabela, at least 147 individuals belonging to 99 families from the towns of Moconacon and Divilacan sought shelter in four evacuation centers  yesterday.

Ilagan City Mayor Jose Marie Diaz cancelled classes and offices today, as the city government is closely monitoring 34 areas that are prone to floods and landslides.