THE tremors caused by the eruption of the Taal Volcano have caused cracks on a number of national highways and roads in Batangas, prompting an “in-depth assessment” of roads and bridges in the area.
While noting that the roads are still passable, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) listed such affected roads as: 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.
Also affected is the Lemery-Taal Diversion Road, K0128+(-80), K0128+550 section, which sustained major cracks and settlement due to ground shaking. Reportedly, the cracks stretch for 3 kilometers, but the road is still passable.
“Roads have been assessed but no further work will be implemented for the time being with the continuous ground movement and ashfall,” the agency said.
As part of mitigation processes, the department 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 the clearing of ashfall in the area.
“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,” the agency said.
A BusinessMirror team interviewed Lemery residents who said they had been experiencing relentless tremors from Taal Volcano’s activity since Sunday. The residents of Barangay Sinisian East in Lemery woke up to cracks on the roads, bridges, and underneath some homes.
One major crack started at the bridge and was only a finger wide and deep. But after continuous tremors, it widened to 2 inches. Some cracks are more than 5 inches wide and deep. Most of the residents are now staying in evacuation centers or relatives’ homes nearby.
As the shaking continued throughout Tuesday, residents said they are scared of the big bang because of their elders’ story of Taal’s big eruption in 1911. They told BM the cracks seem “alive” and keep on getting bigger, wider and deeper. “It is good the air doesn’t smell of sulfur yet. The water is hot. Lemery is near the sea and we have hot springs. This must all be related to the volcano,” said resident Boy Dimailig in Filipino.
With a report by Bernard Testa
Image credits: Bernard Testa