The Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Luzon (DPWH-3) has deployed its quick response equipment and maintenance crew on some critical roads with a high risk of flooding and landslides in preparation for the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding.

DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino said on Sunday that the quick response teams and assets are now on standby to immediately respond to the possible effect of “Karding” which will traverse the landmass of Central Luzon.

Zambales 1st District Engineer Hermon Ines said their manpower and equipment are now prepositioned along Olongapo-Bugallon Road, Zambales-Tarlac Road, Amungan-Palauig-Banlog Road, and San Marcelino-San Antonio-San Narciso Road.

Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineer Armando Manabat also said their quick response assets are now deployed in a section of Daang Maharlika in Barangay Putlan, Carranglan and Pinagpanaan-Rizal-Pantabangan Road in Barangay West Poblacion, Pantabangan town.

Likewise, Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineer Ramil Ramos said their office’s quick response assets are now on standby in landslide-prone areas such as the K0154+700 Section of the Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road in Barangay Calaanan, Bongabon.

Ramos said they are currently monitoring the major waterways in the 3rd and 4th districts of Nueva Ecija in preparation for possible flooding caused by Karding, especially in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, Aurora District Engineer Roderick Andal said eight heavy equipment are ready to be mobilized when there is a need to conduct clearing operations in the province.

As of this writing, all national roads and bridges in the region remain passable to all types of vehicles.

“DPWH Region 3 will continue to monitor the possible effects of the weather disturbance and will regularly provide road situational reports,” Roseller said in a social media post. (PNA)