The local government unit (LGU) of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental yesterday ensured that a bridge that is crucial for evacuation remains accessible even amid Severe Tropical Storm “Opong.”

Seth Bariga, information officer of the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), told the Philippine News Agency that Linothangan Bridge is passable to motorcycles and lightweight four-wheel vehicles.

“Motorcycles are allowed to drive through the bridge while other vehicles can pass through a detour that was constructed nearby, while repair is ongoing,” Bariga said.

Bariga said it would take about a month to cure the cement poured on the bridge on September 17.

Linothangan Bridge is a vital artery for the city’s evacuation route to nearby Negros Occidental, especially during an eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, as well as other emergencies.

Bariga said the river flooded the detour road in the morning because of heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon intensified by Severe Tropical Storm “Opong.”

Canlaon City is among the few areas in northern Negros Oriental that were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

Meanwhile, the city government is closely monitoring possible mud or lahar flows from Mt. Kanlaon and landslides as rains continued to inundate the mountain city.

Bariga said the city has prepositioned trucks and other vehicles for immediate evacuation of residents when necessary. (PNA)