Typhoon Aftermath Leaves Multiple Roads Blocked and Thousands Stranded Across the Philippines

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported that sixteen roads across several regions in the Philippines remain impassable following the impact of tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong, alongside the prevailing southwest monsoon. The affected areas include parts of the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

Response teams have been actively deployed to remove debris and restore accessibility. The primary factors causing road closures consist of flooding, soil erosion, damaged slope protections, fallen power posts, and other storm debris. Specifically, roads obstructed are located in provinces such as Apayao, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Masbate, Antique, Biliran, and Leyte.

Additionally, access to ten other roads in the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Calabarzon, and Bicol regions remains restricted due to ongoing damage and clearance efforts.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that severe weather from Typhoon Opong has resulted in nearly 7,000 passengers being stranded at ports nationwide. The storm halted the movement of 2,639 rolling cargo units, 80 vessels, and 31 motorboats. In Metro Manila and Central Luzon alone, 92 sea travelers, 40 rolling cargoes, and 35 vessels remain stranded. Other affected regions include Southern Tagalog, Bicol, the Visayas, Northeastern Mindanao, and Palawan, where 79 passengers and multiple vessels are reported stranded.

A maritime incident was also recorded when the cargo vessel M/V Solid Harmony, seeking shelter in Carmen Bay near Romblon, ran aground after drifting. The PCG responded promptly, receiving a distress call from the ship's captain. Fortunately, no oil spill has been detected, and all crew members are safe.

Efforts to clear critical roadways vital for emergency response and community access continue amid challenges posed by fallen trees, power posts, mud, and rocks. "These efforts underscore the Coast Guard’s commitment to saving lives, restoring safety and bringing hope to people affected by the storm," the PCG stated.

In response to the devastation, religious groups in the Bicol region have organized fundraising campaigns to aid communities in Masbate severely impacted by Opong. Church leaders urged parishioners to contribute generously during masses and participate in relief operations. Bishop Hernando Abcede of Daet instructed all parishes within his diocese to conduct second collections, with proceeds earmarked for disaster recovery in Masbate. Earlier, various churches served as temporary shelters for those displaced by the typhoon.