Samar shear line, LPA damage pegged at P469M

Damage to public infrastructure worth P469 million has been reported in the provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar due to the combined effects of a shear line and a low-pressure area.

The Department of Public Works and Highways on Friday stated that the cost of totally damaged infrastructure in the three provinces as of 23 November was P215.5 million, while the cost of partially damaged infrastructure was P253.9 million.

The DPWH reported seven destroyed roads (157 million), 10 damaged roads (158 million), 12 damaged bridges (P50.5 million), flood control projects (P58 million), and shore protection projects (P30 million).

The DPWH-8's Maintenance Division has estimated that P716.656 million is needed for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of all damaged public infrastructure in Eastern Visayas.

Eight road sections in Northern Samar's 1st and 2nd Districts, Samar's 1st District, and Eastern Samar District have been cleared and reopened.

On the other hand, two national road sections in Northern Samar's 1st District are still being cleared by DPWH-8's Quick Response Teams.

Heavy vehicles are advised to use the Catarman-Calbayog Road as an alternative route due to the damaged Palanit Bridge on the Allen-Calbayog Road in San Isidro Northern Samar.

The DPWH-8 said it continues to monitor the situation and is committed to restoring normalcy in Eastern Visayas as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided more than P37.2 million in aid to families and individuals affected by the floods and landslides in Eastern Visayas.

"Our field office in Eastern Visayas has been sending assistance non-stop to the affected families and individuals. As of 24 November, DSWD Eastern Visayas (Region 8) has provided P37.2 million worth of family food packs, which is equivalent to 49,566 boxes," DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said Friday.

The FFPs were distributed to flood-affected families in Naval, Biliran; the municipalities of Arteche, Dolores, Jipapad, Maslog, and Oras in Eastern Samar; Calbayog City, Gandara, San Jorge, and Sta. Margarita in Samar; and Biri, Bobon, Catarman, Capul, Catubig, Lapinig, Las Navas, Lavezares, Palapag, Lope de Vega, Laoang, Mapanas, San Roque, San Antonio and San Vicente in Northern Samar, he said.

Lopez said that DSWD-8 also reached the families affected by the landslide in Bontoc, Southern Leyte, and sent FFPs and non-food items to other local government units.