Typhoons leave 16 roads impassable

MANILA, Philippines — Sixteen roads have remained impassable due to the combined effects of tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando and Opong as well as the southwest monsoon, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The DPWH said that quick response teams were mobilized to clear roads and restore operations in the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas.

Among the causes of road closures were flooding, soil erosion, damaged slope protection, toppled power posts and other debris.

These roads are located in Apayao, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Masbate, Antique, Biliran and Leyte.

The DPWH said access to 10 other roads in the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Calabarzon and Bicol have been limited due to damage and clearing operations.

Close to 7,000 passengers have been stranded at various ports nationwide due to Opong.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said Opong stalled 2,639 rolling cargoes, 80 vessels and 31 motorboats.

In the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, 92 sea travelers, 40 rolling cargoes and 35 vessels were stranded at various ports.

Aside from the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, similar situations were reported in Southern Tagalog and Bicol as well as in the Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao.

The PCG-Palawan reported 79 people, four vessels and four motorboats stranded in the province.

A cargo vessel headed to Manila from Davao run aground in the waters off Romblon on Friday night.

The M/V Solid Harmony was taking shelter from the storm in Carmen Bay in San Agustin town when it drifted and hit ground.

The vessel’s skipper sent a distress call to a nearby PCG substation.

“No oil spill has been observed in the area and all crewmembers were in good physical condition,” the PCG said.

Clearing of major roads hampered by tree branches, toppled power posts, mud, rocks and other storm-related debris have started.

Critical routes for emergency response and community access were prioritized in the clearing.

“These efforts underscore the Coast Guard’s commitment to saving lives, restoring safety and bringing hope to people affected by the storm,” the PCG said.

Meanwhile, churches in Bicol initiated fund-raising activities to help communities in Masbate devastated by Opong.

People were encouraged to be generous when contributing money during masses today as well as participate in relief operations.

“By giving generously, you are directly helping our brothers and sisters in Masbate who are struggling with loss, damage and disruption caused by the storm,” the Bicol Diocese said in a statement.

Daet Bishop Hernando Abcede directed all parishes and quasi-parishes under his diocese to hold second collections during masses today.

“Proceeds from these collections will be sent to the Diocese of Masbate to help typhoon victims recover and rebuild their lives” Abcede said.

Earlier, various churches opened their doors to accomodate people displaced by Opong.