Heavy rains damage bridge, road in parts of Mindanao

Heavy rains damaged a bridge in T'boli, South Cotabato and triggered a road slip in Davao City, disrupting travel in parts of Mindanao.

In T'boli, a portion of a bridge collapsed, leaving a large hole that forced motorists to pass through the remaining section slowly, according to a report on "24 Oras Weekend" on Saturday.

Some residents said the heavy rains were accompanied by earthquakes in the area, which they believed contributed to the collapse of a portion of the bridge.

Meanwhile, a section of the Davao-Bukidnon Road in Purok 39, Sitio Marahan, Barangay Marilog Proper in Davao City became impassable after the ground beneath the road collapsed following heavy rainfall on July 17.

Five houses were also damaged in the incident, but no injuries were reported.

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao Region (DPWH XI) said vehicles would temporarily be unable to pass through the affected section while authorities continued their assessment.

Light vehicles may temporarily take the alternate route along Davao-Bukidnon Road-Datu Ladayon-Katipunan-Campo Uno, the agency said.

DPWH XI also advised motorists and travelers to avoid the affected road section in the meantime.

In Koronadal City, meanwhile, floodwaters nearly reached gutter level, forcing some vehicles to stop along the roadside.

The state weather bureau PAGASA attributed the heavy rains affecting large parts of Mindanao to localized thunderstorms.—MCG, GMA News