After Typhoon Mangkhut (locally called Ompong) battered the norther region of Luzon, a large number of roads have been closed due to flooding, landslide and other calamities brought about by the super typhoon. For those heading to Baguio, expect travel time to be longer as there are a number of road closures as well as clearing operations currently on-going along major roads going to the summer capital.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) latest report as of 6:00 AM this September 17, only Marcos Highway is fully open to the public. Kennon Road is fully closed to the public due to falling rock and other debris on the road. For the time being, the DPWH has installed warning signs and advising motorist to use Marcos Highway as an alternate route.

Meanwhile, Benquet-Nueva Vizcaya Road is mostly closed to the public due to landslides and road collapse. Only one section of the road located at KM289 is open with one lane passable. According to the DPWH, clearing equipment is already on standby but is hampered by heavy rains in the area. As for Baguio-Bontoc Road, some sections are already open to the public. However, there are also sections of road being closed due to landslides and road collapse; clearing operations are currently on-going.

Outside of the CAR, there are closures on other national roads in the northern regions as well due to land slides and road collapse brought about by Ompong. According to the DPWH, there are a total of 10 major roads that are still closed in Regions I, II and III as of 6:00 AM this morning. Clearing operations on all affected roads are currently being done as of writing. To see the complete list of road closures in Regions I, II, and III, you may click here.

Expect more updates from the DPWH in the following hours.