Leyte: Two road sections in Eastern Visayas, previously affected by the strong September 30 earthquake centered in Cebu province, are now cleared for traffic, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the roads in question are the Calubian-San Isidro-Tabango-Villaba-Palompon Road located in Barangay Abijao, Villaba, Leyte, and the Tabango-Catmon-La Fortuna-Manlawaan-Gimarco Road in Barangay Manlawaan, Tabango, Leyte. The Villaba road faced partial closure due to a landslide, whereas the Tabango road had limited access because of visible cracks on one side of the highway.

DPWH Eastern Visayas assistant regional director Margarita Junia communicated via text message that the affected road sections are now accessible to all vehicle types. “DPWH maintenance teams were deployed onsite to conduct clearing, further assessment, and continuous monitoring,” Junia stated.

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu province on Tuesday night affected all six provinces in Eastern Visayas with varying intensities. Concurrently, the DPWH regional office reported limited access on the Biliran Circumferential Road, especially at Barangay Tomalistis, Culaba in Biliran province, where only three out of four lanes are usable for all types of vehicles.

This particular road network suffered significant damage due to severe flooding during the peak of Severe Tropical Storm Opong. The DPWH has advised motorists to remain cautious when traveling through this section and to “strictly observe all road safety reminders to ensure smooth and safe travel.”