THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said damage caused by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) to public infrastructure amounted to P1.2 billion so far.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Roger G. Mercado said in a radio interview on Thursday that further assessment is ongoing for the Dinagat Islands and Siargao.
“At present, the damage estimate is at P1.2 billion destroyed roads, bridges, sea walls, and other flood control projects,” Mr. Mercado said.
“There are island municipalities in Dinagat Islands and Siargao that are (remote). There are ongoing efforts to reach these areas… to assess the damage there,” he added.
He said the DPWH is focused on providing assistance in areas heavily damaged by Odette such as Dinagat Islands, Cebu, Siargao, and Southern Leyte.
Mr. Mercado said that all national highways are currently passable following the damage caused by the typhoon.
He added that all affected infrastructure has been fixed temporarily to allow the distribution of relief goods and the passage of vehicles.
“As of now, roads across the country are already passable to everyone. Even the last one which was washed out in Cebu, the Barili-Toledo Road, is now passable to all vehicles,” Mr. Mercado said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave