Batangas Roads Show Damages Caused by Taal Eruption

Following the series of tremors cause by the eruption of the Taal Volcano, national roads and similar establishments have shown damages.

With that, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now undertaking in-depth assessment of national roads and bridges.

Based on the January 14, 2020 partial report of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Batangas First District Engineering Office, all roads remain passable but major cracks appeared along Palico-Balayan-Batangas Road, K0121+520 and K0121+630, in Barangay Sinisian East; and at the K0127+430 section in Barangay Palanas, both in Lemery, Batangas.

Roads have been assessed but no further work will be implemented for the time being with the continuous ground movement and ash fall.

DPWH has installed warning signs for motorists and deployed workers to further assess the extent of damage on the roads while manpower and equipment continue to conduct clearing of ash fall in the area.

Other affected national road is the Lemery-Taal Diversion Road, K0128+(-80), K0128+550 section which has sustained major cracks and settlement due to ground shake.

As soon as full assessment is done, and no ground movement can hamper construction activities, DPWH will immediately repair cracks and settlement along affected national roads.

Meanwhile, the PHAPCares Foundation donated needed face masks and medicines for the use of evacuees and responders.

The PHAPCares Foundation, in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), transported more than 16,500 face masks as well as medicines for respiratory illnesses and drinking water to evacuation centers in Sto. Tomas and Padre Garcia.

The Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).

“We are aware that the health of our countrymen could be compromised as a result of the volcanic eruption. Augmenting needed medical supplies such as face masks and medicines are important to cushion the possible health consequences of the volcanic activity on the people and our emergency responders,” said PHAPCares Foundation president Jannette Jakosalem.

MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. received the face and N-95 masks and goggles for use of agency responders.

“We thank PHAPCares Foundation for the much needed face masks, medicines and goggles which are running out of stock and sadly, being sold at a higher price because of the calamity. It is a must for every responder to wear masks and goggles for added protection,” said San Juan.

On Monday, rescue team and emergency assets of the MMDA were deployed to Batangas province to assist residents affected by the volcanic eruption.

The health hazards of volcanic ash include respiratory illnesses, eye and skin irritation, accidents and psychological stress. At least 18,187 people are seeking temporary shelters in 76 evacuation centers, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

“We are particularly concerned with the effects of the ash fall, ground tremors, and displacement especially to health of women, elderly, and children, and those with existing health conditions. The Foundation along with our members will continue to closely monitor and assess the needs in anticipation of more people being affected by the eruption,” said PHAPCares executive director Dr. Rosarita Quijano-Siasoco.

The Foundation also committed to provide other necessities such as blankets for the affected families this month.

With disaster preparedness and response as one of its core advocacies, the PHAPCares is also a partner of the MMDA in the conduct of the Earthquake and Landslide Search and Rescue Orientation Course (ELSAROC) which seeks to capacitate communities in the search and extraction of victims that may be trapped under collapsed structures.

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