A series of incidents involving motorcycles figuring in accidents in Barangay Nagtagaan, Rosario, La Union has raised concerns over large potholes that have formed on the road after continuous rains.

CCTV footage showed one rider losing control and falling after his motorcycle went straight into a pothole. Another motorcycle swerved after hitting a deep hole, while a third rider also crashed after passing over a pothole.

Potholes have also been reported along roads in parts of Sto. Tomas, Agoo and Caba, La Union.

DPWH Region 1 Director, Engr. Robert Jay Panaligan, said water can damage asphalt and cause road holes to grow if authorities do not repair them quickly.

“’Yun ang problema sa aspalto, ’yung tubig, kasi kapag nababad sa tubig ang aspalto at masimulang matanggal o mabutas ay magtutuloy-tuloy, so which is kailangan ma-repair agad para hindi siya lumala,” Panaligan said.

The DPWH Region 1 has ordered all district engineering offices to monitor roads affected by rain and flooding.

The agency has carried out temporary patching on damaged roads and installed road safety warning signs. It said permanent repairs will be done once weather conditions improve.

Panaligan said crews cannot immediately carry out some repairs while heavy rain continues, but road safety measures must remain in place.

“’Yung sa mga butas-butas, ’yun kasi nga hindi agad namin ma-repair dahil nag-u-ulan, so ang instruction ni Sec sa taas at sa Central Office, siguraduhing may mga road safety na nakalagay sa kalsada para maiwasan ng mga commuters at maiwasan ang disgrasya,” he said.

The DPWH urged motorists to stay alert and drive carefully as rain from the southwest monsoon continues to affect the region.