Canlaon City Ensures Access to Crucial Bridge Amid Severe Tropical Storm Opong

DUMAGUETE CITY — The local government of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental affirmed on Friday that the Linothangan Bridge, a critical evacuation route, remains accessible despite severe weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm Opong.

Seth Bariga, information officer for the Canlaon City Emergency Operations Center (EOC), reported that motorcycles can still cross the bridge, while cars and heavier vehicles are rerouted via a nearby detour constructed during ongoing repairs. The repair work involves cement poured on September 17, which is expected to cure within approximately one month.

"Motorcycles are allowed to traverse the bridge, and other vehicles use the adjacent detour while repairs continue," Bariga explained.

The Linothangan Bridge serves as a vital lifeline for residents, particularly for evacuations during emergencies such as volcanic activity from nearby Mt. Kanlaon.

Due to the southwest monsoon amplified by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, heavy rains have caused the river to overflow, flooding the detour road in the morning. Canlaon City is among the northern Negros Oriental areas placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

In response, the city government is closely monitoring risks of mudflows, lahar flows, and landslides associated with the continuous heavy rainfall.

Bariga noted that emergency vehicles, including trucks, have been prepositioned to facilitate prompt evacuation if necessary, underscoring the city’s preparedness amid challenging weather conditions.