CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- Initial assessment on the damage to infrastructure in Central Luzon due to the southwest monsoon that was enhanced by tropical cyclone “Egay” reached P1.9 billion.
 
This was based on the Calamity Damaged Infrastructure Report of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region III’s Maintenance Division, as of July 31.
 
Based on the report, Tarlac incurred the highest amount among the seven provinces at P1.46 billion due to the impairment of flood control structures along major riverways such as Camiling, Lucung, Rio Chico, Parua, and O’ Donnell Rivers.
 
Primarily affected by the increased volume of water flowing in river channels, District Engineering Offices have observed collapsed revetment structures and damage to slope protection, leading to the saturation and weakening of embankments.
 
This was particularly observed in the provinces of Tarlac and Zambales, where torrential rain further impacted the concrete flood control walls.
 
Meanwhile, the report indicated that the impact of floodwater significantly exacerbated potholes along national roads, particularly on the Bulacan section of Manila North Road and Roman Expressway in Bataan.
 
DPWH Regional Office III has issued instructions to the District Engineers, directing them to expedite road restoration efforts and conduct a comprehensive assessment of all structures to ensure public safety. (CLJD-PIA 3)