'Nando' forces temporary road closures in highland city

BAGUIO CITY — Torrential rains and strong winds from Super Typhoon “Nando” (International name: Ragasa) briefly shut down nearly all major routes to Baguio City on Monday, September 22, due to landslides and rockslides.

Several road sections along Marcos Highway, Tuba side, were affected by falling rocks and soil, partially burying a black Toyota van, a fuel tanker, and two other vehicles traveling on the major artery Monday morning.

No deaths were reported, although nine people were rushed to hospitals with injuries from the landslides and rockslides as of Monday afternoon.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) advised motorists that Kennon Road and the Asin–Nangalisan–San Pascual Road were also closed due to similar soil and rock slides. Naguillan Road (Baguio–Naguillan, La Union) remained passable as of Monday afternoon.

By 4 p.m., DPWH-CAR work crews had cleared debris along Marcos Highway, reopening the route to motorists. Authorities, however, advised drivers to exercise caution while traveling, as the entire artery to and from Baguio City remains at risk for further rock and soil slides.