DPWH says quake-hit Leyte roads now passable

TACLOBAN CITY – Two road sections in Eastern Visayas previously affected by the strong Sept. 30 earthquake in Cebu province are now passable, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Thursday.

The affected roads are the Calubian–San Isidro–Tabango–Villaba–Palompon Road in Barangay Abijao, Villaba, Leyte; and the Tabango–Catmon–La Fortuna–Manlawaan–Gimarco Road in Barangay Manlawaan, Tabango, Leyte.

The road in Villaba town was partly closed due to a landslide, while the road in Tabango had limited access due to visible cracks on one side of the highway.

DPWH Eastern Visayas assistant regional director Margarita Junia said in a text message the two road sections are now passable to all types of vehicles.

“DPWH maintenance teams were deployed onsite to conduct clearing, further assessment, and continuous monitoring,” Junia said.

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu province on Tuesday night was felt in all six provinces in Eastern Visayas at different intensities.

Meanwhile, the DPWH regional office said access is still limited for the Biliran Circumferential Road, specifically at Barangay Tomalistis, Culaba, in Biliran province, with only three out of four lanes passable to all types of vehicles.

The road network was badly damaged by massive flooding during the height of Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

The DPWH advised the public to exercise caution while traversing the road section and to “strictly observe all road safety reminders to ensure smooth and safe travel.” — Sarwell Meniano (PNA)

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