BAGUIO CITY – The Joint Inter-Agency Task Force Kennon has announced that the Kennon Road, the shortest route going to the Summer Capital, will be temporarily closed effective 12:01 in the morning of Sept. 24 due the threat of heavy rains brought by typhoon Karding.
Albert Mogol, chairperson of the task force and chairman of the Office of the Civil Defense, said in a public advisory on Friday, Sept. 23, that the tropical storm ‘Karding’ maintained its strength as it continued to accelerate over the Philippine Sea.
As of 11:00 a.m. of Sept.23, the center of the tropical storm was located at 1,085 kilometers East of Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 kms/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kms/h.
It is presently moving Westward at 25 kms/h. Additionally, Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and/or localized thunderstorms are affecting the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Mogol said moderate to heavy rains with at times intense rains over are expected due to these weather systems which may cause landslide/rockslide and flooding in highly susceptible areas or areas at-risk.
Residents in Kennon are allowed to pass but extra precautions are required or avoid traveling during heavy downpours because of landslides.
Mogol also advised motorists in various places in the Cordillera to postpone travel as heavy rain is expected as typhoon Karding crosses Northern Luzon on Saturday to Sunday.
All motorists (non-residents) are advised to pass thru Marcos Highway, Baguio-Bauang Road (Naguilian Road), or Asin-Nangalisan-San Pascual Road.
Meanwhile, acting Baguio City Mayor Faustino Olowan issued Executive Order No.114-2022 on Sept. 23, ordering the suspension of the conduct of Market Showcase along the Session Road on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Olowan said tropical storm Karding is forecast to bring inclement weather within the next few days and the postponement of the said activities is in the interest of public safety and welfare.