Inclement weather inflicts P5.25-B damage on roads, flood controls

The combined wrath of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong has left over P5.25 billion worth of destruction on public infrastructure across eight regions, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported Friday.

According to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, the bulk of the damage affected flood control structures (P4.19 billion), followed by national roads (P913 million), and bridges (P148 million). These initial figures are still undergoing field validation.

Regions hit include the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and the Negros Island Region.

As of Friday noon, 19 national road sections remain closed due to debris, flooding, and structural damage. These include major roads in Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Batangas. Several roads are obstructed by fallen trees, collapsed slopes, debris flows, and damaged bridges.

Meanwhile, 37 other national roads across CAR, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Zamboanga Peninsula have limited access due to various hazards like soil collapse, washed-out detours, and severe flooding.

The DPWH is currently clearing affected areas and conducting repairs where conditions allow. Motorists are advised to avoid these areas and remain alert for advisories from both DPWH and local government units.

The series of weather disturbances has tested the resilience of infrastructure in low-lying and mountainous regions, prompting calls for faster climate-resilient upgrades to roads and flood control systems nationwide.