Bataeños reel from highway flood woes
Worse, there were no monsoon rains or heavy downpours in the area but only minimal rainfall. Yet, the once flood-free highway virtually became a river, making the busy highway impassable to small vehicles
ORION, Bataan — Traumatized by the waist-deep flashflood along the Roman Superhighway in Barangays Sta. Elena and Puting Buhangin in Orion, Bataan Monday morning, Bataeños have asked: "Who is to blame?"
The question was raised as it was the first time that deep enough floodwaters hit the major highway, stranding thousands of motorists.
Worse, there were no monsoon rains or heavy downpours in the area but only minimal rainfall. Yet, the once flood-free highway virtually became a river, making the busy highway impassable to small vehicles.
The flash floods came as the area has now become a commercial and industrial area with the resurgence of buildings in the area, including that of San Miguel Corporation.
Vladimir Moreno, Orion municipal disaster risk reduction management office head, told newsmen they rushed to the area and monitored the situation but could do nothing to lessen the impact of the flood.
The Roman Superhighway is a busy thoroughfare used by gas tankers, heavy trucks carrying raw materials and finished goods from factories in Limay and the Freeport Area of Bataan in Mariveles, as well as daily commuter routes.