MANILA: A total of 20 road sections in the Philippines remain inaccessible due to severe weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Kristine, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported. The storm has led to the closure of roads in several regions, including Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Calabarzon, affecting transportation and local communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH Bureau of Maintenance stated that the closures are due to a range of issues, including collapsed detour roads, flooding, landslides, fallen trees, and rockslides. The storm’s heavy rains and strong winds have particularly impacted the Sibuyan Circumferential Road in Romblon Province, where soil collapse and fallen trees have rendered specific sections impassable.
In the Bicol region, Albay province has experienced significant road closures due to flooding and soil erosion. Affected areas include the DM Jct-Legazpi-Sto. Domingo-Tabaco-Tiwi-Camarines Sur Boundary Road, Albay West Coast Road, and various se
ctions in Camarines Norte. Roads in Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon are similarly affected, with several routes blocked by flooding and rockslides.
Eastern Visayas is also facing road closures, with routes such as the Catarman-Calbayog Road and Catarman-Laoang Road in Northern Samar submerged under water, reaching depths of nearly a meter in some areas. An alternate route is available via the Maharlika Highway for some affected areas.
The DPWH has mobilized Quick Response Assets from regional and district engineering offices to assist in clearing operations, while Disaster Incident Management Teams are actively monitoring other national roads and bridges. As of 8 a.m., Tropical Storm Kristine was located 310 km east northeast of Infanta, Quezon, with maximum sustained winds of 85 km per hour and gusts reaching up to 105 km per hour.