Benguet Governor warns travelers to be aware of  rains and aftershocks

SAFETY FIRST. A vehicle negotiates a road in Abra after it was cleared of fallen rocks and debris from a magnitude 7 earthquake last July 27. Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas on Wednesday (Aug. 3, 2022) called on motorists to take all necessary precautions when traversing the roads in the province as landslides, rock slides, thick fog and slippery roads make their travel more perilous. (PNA photo courtesy of PDRRMO)

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Governor Melchor Diclas again reminded motorists to take precautionary measures while traveling in Benguet as rains and aftershocks continue to be experienced in the province.

"Precaution is needed especially these rainy seasons when driving or traveling anywhere in the province," Diclas said on Wednesday.

The governor said Benguet, located in a mountainous area, has slippery roads, especially at this time when rain occurs almost every day, something common in the province during the monsoon season.

He said thick fog that is also normal in the province year-round adds to the high risk of travel in Benguet and other parts of Cordillera.

He added that the magnitude 7 earthquake that rocked several areas in Luzon, including Benguet, has loosened soil in the mountain slope, made it more susceptible to landslides, especially when drenched by rain.

Several landslides continue to occur in the province, the latest on Aug. 1 when a rock fell on the road at the Alno-Bekes provincial road in La Trinidad.

“Motorists are also advised to cancel their non-essential travels during rainy hours and at night for their safety,” Diclas said.

Benguet has jurisdiction over a big portion of the Baguio-Bontoc Road that leads to Sagada, the Kennon Road which is the shortest route to Baguio City from Metro Manila, the Marcos Highway, the Naguilian Road that connects Baguio to Bauang, La Union, and the Benguet-Vizcaya Road that shortens travel time from Baguio City to parts of Cagayan Valley. (PNA)

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