By Jessie R. Valdez
San Fernando City, La Union (21 August) -- Upon the instructions of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region I Director Fidel Ginez to all district engineers in Region I to fast track all clearing operations in their respective areas due to typhoon "Karen", critical road sections in national roads that were affected are now passable.
At the height of typhoon "Karen" last Wednesday, August 20, Director Ginez said that affected areas in La Union were the San Fernando-Bagulin sections and the Luna-Bangar Road along the Manila North road were unpassable to all light vehicles due to flooded road sections and minor landslides while in Ilocos Sur, areas hit were the Banaoang-Bantay and the Baleleng-Bantay.
Since yesterday, Ginez added that maintenance crew and equipment were all deployed / mobilized and undertook clearing operations, installed warning signs on both ends of affected areas for the information of incoming motorists and to assure public safety.
Dump trucks, backhoe and other equipment needed in removing road obstructions were also deployed along Naguilian and Kennon roads including Marcos highway.
To protect lives and make roads safe and convenient to motorists and other transportation vehicles as well as to respond efficiently and effectively from natural and man-made disasters or from any impending emergencies, other on-going activities undertaken by district engineers include: desiltation of line canals, cleaning/clearing of culverts, outlets, manholes, drainages, pruning of tree branches that poses danger to traveling public and shrubs that affect road visibility, among others.
Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. said that he had deployed emergency crew and equipment along critical sections and national roads in Northern Luzon to mitigate damage brought by typhoon "Karen" to assure that all national roads are free from obstruction and passable at all times. (PIA La Union) [top]