Razpad ceste je prekinil glavno avtocesto Bukidnon-Davao

A major section of the Bukidnon, Davao highway collapsed on July 17, 2026, cutting off traffic between Davao City, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro City. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. in Sitio Marahan, Barangay Marilog, Davao City, when a landslide rendered the vital route impassable to all vehicles. Authorities immediately closed the affected stretch and began assessments of the damage. Engineers are working to restore access, though the highway remains closed to most traffic. The landslide was triggered by weeks of continuous rainfall that had saturated the soil in a landslide-prone area. According to Dean Ortiz, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 11, the conditions created a perfect storm for the collapse. The region has faced persistent monsoon rains, increasing the likelihood of such disasters. Residents in the vicinity were evacuated after signs of ground movement were observed, though no injuries were reported as of Saturday morning. Motorists are being directed to use alternative routes, including the Datu Ladayon, Marahan, Katipunan, Cotabato, connection to Camp 1 in Maramag, Bukidnon. This detour adds approximately 30 minutes to travel times. While some vehicles, such as motorcycles and tricycles, are permitted to pass through a narrow section of the damaged road, the majority of traffic must divert. The DPWH has emphasized that these alternate routes are temporary and that efforts are underway to expedite repairs. Another significant landslide occurred earlier in the week, affecting the Bukidnon, Davao Road near Sitio Balakayo, Barangay Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon. This incident, triggered by heavy rains and the impact of Super Typhoon Inday on July 6, buried a large section of the highway. The DPWH estimates that clearing the site will require several months, with an anticipated removal of 80,000 to 100,000 cubic meters of debris. Shara Vinessa Garcia, a spokesperson for the DPWH Bukidnon 1st District Engineering Office, stated that additional equipment has been deployed to accelerate the cleanup process, although progress is hindered by ongoing monsoonal rains. Despite these challenges, local residents have taken matters into their own hands, creating makeshift paths across the landslide sites. Teacher Jei Capao reported that a motorcycle belonging to a fish vendor was buried by another landslide on July 21. Although no injuries were reported, the DPWH has urged local governments to discourage the use of these dangerous footpaths, where individuals reportedly charge fees for crossing the road. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon is set to inspect the Sitio Marahan landslide site on July 23, as part of broader efforts to evaluate long-term engineering solutions. Ortiz noted that initial inspections by DPWH officials recommended strengthening the reconstruction of the damaged road. Ongoing assessments aim to identify the most effective interventions to prevent future collapses. Traffic management and road improvement efforts continue to address the growing congestion in the affected areas. Both the Sitio Marahan and Sitio Balakayo land slides highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the region, underscoring the need for improved disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies. As the DPWH works to restore access, the community faces the challenge of navigating disrupted travel routes amid ongoing environmental threats.