Main Samar highways closed due to flooding

FLOODED ROAD. The flooded highway in Arteche, Eastern Samar as taken Sunday (March 6, 2022). Flooding has rendered some road sections in Eastern Samar and Northern Samar provinces impassable due to incessant rains. (Photo courtesy of Department of Public Works and Highways)

TACLOBAN CITY – Flooding has rendered some road sections in Eastern Samar and Northern Samar provinces impassable due to incessant rains in the region the past days.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said flooding has closed a section of a major highway in Bigo village, Arteche, Eastern Samar. This is part of the road network that links the provinces of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar.

Motorists are advised to take the alternate route – the Imelda, Lapinig-Jipapad Road.

DPWH Eastern Samar district engineering office chief Ma. Margarita Junia said in a phone interview Sunday that flooding is common in Bigo village every rainy season since the road section is a catchment area every time there is an overflow from Oras River.

A viaduct is needed along the road section to elevate road grade line from the maximum flood level.

“The proposal is to build a viaduct, elevating road grade line from the maximum flood level. It will provide motorists safe access even during heavy rains,” Junia said.

In Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, flooding was recorded on Sunday along the road that connects the capital town of Catarman, Northern Samar to Calbayog City, Samar. The incident has closed the road to light vehicles for several hours until late Sunday, according to DPWH.

The incessant rains since Sunday is brought by a low pressure area affecting Visayas and Mindanao.

Frequent rainfall will likely prevail in Eastern Visayas in the early part of March due to the northeast monsoon or “amihan” and La Niña.

Rains may continue this month since there are existing weather systems that have been affecting the region.

The region has been experiencing rains weekly since November 2021 and the wet season persists until March even as the country observes Fire Prevention Month.

People living in low-lying areas near these river systems have been advised to stay alert for possible flash floods during rainy days.

Those residing near mountain slopes have been told to watch out for signs of landslides. (PNA)

Source: Business Diary Philippines