Seven overflow bridges in Isabela province were closed to motorists on Monday, Oct. 20 due to rising water levels in the Cagayan River and its tributaries amid the incessant rains due to Tropical Storm ‘Ramil’ (international name: Fengshen), the Isabela Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported.
The affected bridges include the Masaya Sur bridge in San Agustin; the Baculud and Cabiseria 8 bridges in Ilagan City; the Annafunan and Gucab bridges in Echague; the Cabagan-Santa Maria bridge; and the Alicaocao bridge in Cauayan City.
In addition, the Turod-Banquero overflow bridge remains inaccessible as it is still undergoing repairs.
As a precaution, classes at all levels in both public and private schools have been suspended in Baggao, Cagayan, and in San Agustin, Isabela. Government work has also been suspended in San Agustin, except for disaster response personnel, frontliners, and healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, a landslide and mudslide blocked a section of the Nagtipunan, Quirino-Aurora Road at the boundaries of Barangays Decureban and Dioryong in Nagtipunan, Quirino, around 5 a.m. on October 20.
Authorities have advised motorists to take alternate routes as clearing operations have yet to begin. INQ