ILOILO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways closed a major bridge linking Aklan to a neighboring Numancia town after it found a hole in its foundation caused by massive flooding spawned by Typhoon Paeng’s rain.
“Due to the damage caused by Typhoon 'Paeng' on the approach of Kalibo Bridge (Numancia) side, the bridge is temporarily closed,” the DPWH said in an advisory today (Oct. 28).
“Motorists and the riding public are advised to use the Kalibo Bridge II for the meantime,” DPWH-6 added.
PAGASA meanwhile placed Aklan province under Storm Signal No. 1 due to Typhoon ‘Paeng’ on Friday afternoon.
Since Thursday (Oct. 27), the water from the Aklan River has overflowed and caused flooding in both towns.
Engr. Joey Ureta, division chief of the DPWH-Aklan, told Radyo Todo Aklan that the soil underneath the approach of the old bridge eroded due to the strong current of floodwaters.
The new bridge is adjacent to the old bridge, which is one of the old lanes going to and from world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town.
Several other towns in Aklan province have been submerged in floodwaters.