MANILA: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has mobilized over 9,000 personnel and more than 2,000 units of heavy equipment to address the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, successfully reopening 68 out of 93 affected road sections across the nation. Efforts are ongoing to clear debris and facilitate road repairs to restore critical transportation routes.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH has deployed these resources through its Quick Response Assets to expedite the recovery process in areas impacted by the storm. Despite the progress, 25 road sections remain impassable due to various obstructions such as flooding, landslides, rockfalls, and collapsed bridges.
In the Cordillera region, four road sections are still closed due to soil collapse, fallen trees, rockslides, landslides, and mudflow. Two sections in Cagayan Valley face closures due to flooding. In Calabarzon, five sections are impassable from road and bridge collapses, mudslides, and flooding, with seven secti
ons having limited access. Mimaropa has one section closed due to a landslide, while in Bicol, 12 sections are closed and 10 have limited access due to flooding, landslides, and road collapse. Central Visayas has one closed section due to a road slip.
The DPWH has placed warning signs along roads with limited access to protect motorists. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan emphasized the urgency of restoring safe and accessible roadways to support communities affected by the storm, highlighting the importance of these routes for the delivery of relief supplies, medical assistance, and other essential services. The department is also focused on cleaning and declogging drainage systems to prevent further flooding.