In Eastern Visayas, severe weather conditions led to the closure of several key roadways on Monday, disrupting travel and daily life across the region. Torrential rains caused by a shear line resulted in landslides and flooding, affecting multiple areas and prompting emergency responses from local authorities.
In Eastern Samar, the Arteche-Jipapad-Las Navas-Rawis Road, a vital link between Eastern and Northern Samar, was completely shut down due to a landslide in Jipapad’s Barangay 4. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that approximately 80 cubic meters of debris obstructed the road, necessitating immediate clearing operations. The DPWH has advised motorists to exercise caution, especially near construction zones during the rainy season.
Leyte also faced significant disruptions, with a road in Barangay Liberty, Mayorga, becoming impassable due to flooding. This section is part of the nautical highway connecting Luzon to Mindanao, forcing drivers to take a longer detour through Mayorga, La Paz, and Javier. Another flooded road in San Isidro, Sta. Fe, was only accessible to heavy vehicles, further complicating travel.
In Northern Samar, the Catarman-Laoang Road was limited to heavy vehicles due to river overflows in Bugko and Chitongco villages in Mondragon. Meanwhile, a landslide in La Paz, Leyte, buried several homes, though a family of eight managed to survive.
The impact of the shear line extended beyond transportation, with widespread flooding submerging all 13 villages of Jipapad, Eastern Samar. The local disaster management office reported that 2,817 families were affected, with two families seeking shelter in an evacuation center. Power outages were also reported starting Monday morning.
Other towns in Eastern Samar, including Maslog, Arteche, Dolores, Can-avid, and Balangkayan, experienced similar flooding issues. In response to the severe weather, several local government units in Eastern Visayas suspended classes and government work on Monday.
The Department of Education in Eastern Samar also announced the suspension of classes in numerous towns, highlighting the broad impact of the weather event on the region’s daily operations and safety.