At least seven major roads in Northern Luzon remain closed due to landslides, soil collapses, and washed-out infrastructure caused by Tropical Cyclones Nika and Ofel, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Saturday, Nov. 16.
The DPWH said the disruptions have impacted Apayao, Ifugao, and Batanes, leading to significant travel delays.
In Apayao, the Claveria-Calanasan-Kabugao Road and the Apayao (Calanasan)-Ilocos Norte Road are impassable due to soil collapses, with the Lacnab Section in Barangay Kabugawan and the Ayayao Section in Barangay Eva among the worst-hit areas.
In Ifugao, the Banaue-Hungduan-Benguet boundary road in Tukucan, Tinoc, is closed following a landslide that blocked the main route connecting Ifugao and Benguet.
Further disruptions were reported on the Kalinga-Abra Road in Ableg, Pasil, Kalinga, where a soil collapse and fallen trees have obstructed traffic.
In Batanes, the Basco-Mahatao-Ivana-Uyugan-Imnajbu Road, particularly the sections in Barangay Kayvaluganan and Itbud in Uyugan, is shut down due to landslides and debris flow.
The Dugo-San Vicente Road (Mission-Sta. Ana Section) near the San Jose Bridge in Gonzaga, Cagayan, is also impassable after the bridge approach was washed out, while the Cagayan-Apayao Road at the Itawes Overflow Bridge 1 and 2 in Sta. Barbara, Piat, and Cagayan are closed due to scoured bridge approaches.
To address the situation, the DPWH has deployed 6,697 personnel and 1,352 pieces of equipment through its Disaster and Incident Management Teams, which are actively monitoring the affected roads, clearing debris, and working to restore vital infrastructure.