Aquino Bridge in Tarlac closed due to 80-foot crack in nearby dike

The Aquino Bridge in Tarlac City was closed on Wednesday after raging water caused an 80-foot crack in the dike along Ninoy Aquino Boulevard.

 

Although there is a space between the dike and the bridge, the crack is only around 10 feet from the foot of the bridge, GMA News' Mark Zambrano reported on News to Go.

 

Authorities piled sandbags along the dike on Tuesday after water destroyed the dike, causing the crack. 

 

"Kahapon talagang napakataas at napakalakas ng pagragasa ng tubig sa Tarlac River. Kinain na ng tubig 'yung ilalim ng dike, at doon na nangyari 'yung pagguho ng gilid," Zambrano said in the report.

 

Water levels in Tarlac River went down by five to six feet on Wednesday, but authorities are still keeping watch in case water rises again, the report said.

 

Officials from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) implemented a rerouting scheme to avoid any accidents, should the dike's damage extend to the bridge.

 

Vehicles must now take a detour to pass the nearby Agana Bridge, the report said.

 

Officials of the Philippine National Police have also been stationed to keep people from standing near the crack.

 

On Tuesday, a large portion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway collapsed, supposedly due to heavy rains and strong water current from the water body below the structure. - Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News