The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Saturday, Sept. 24, ordered the closure of the landslide-prone highway of Kennon Road as tropical storm “Karding” threatens the northern part of Luzon.
In an advisory of the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force Kennon and the DPWH Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), all types of vehicles will not be allowed to travel at Kennon Road while residents are also reminded to take extra precautions when traversing the area, particularly in areas that are prone to mudslides.
“To ensure public safety from the threats/risks associated with Tropical Storm (TS) "Karding" which is fast approaching the country. Kennon Road is hereby temporarily closed until further notice (except for Kennon Road residents),” the advisory read.
The DPWH-CAR also advised motorists entering Baguio City and nearby towns to take the designated alternative routes.
“Alternate Routes for Non-Residents: Marcos Highway; Baguio-Bauang Road (Naguilian Road); and Asin-Nangalisan-San Pascual Road,” advisory further added. Tropical cyclone “Karding” with an international name Noru intensified into a severe tropical storm, with Wind Signal No. 2, now raised over portions of eastern Luzon before Saturday noon, Sept. 24.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Karding further strengthened over the Philippine Sea, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kph.
Signal No. 2 was hoisted in the southeastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue), the northern portion of Aurora (Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag), and the Polillo Islands.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 was raised in the southern portion of Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the southern portion of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the southern portion of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, the rest of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, the northern and central portions of Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, the northern portion of Batangas, Camarines Norte, northern and eastern portions of Camarines Sur, and the northern portion of Catanduanes.