Heavy rains batter Bohol towns on Friday

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Heavy rains on Friday, Oct. 16, toppled an acacia tree in Barangay Agape in Loay town, and triggered a landslide along a national highway in nearby Loboc, Bohol disrupting traffic in both towns.

The acacia tree fell across the national highway in Barangay Agape at around 6:20 p.m., briefly causing traffic congestion.

Barangay officials led by village chief Noel Imboy immediately responded to clear the road and restore the normal flow of traffic, according to Loay Mayor Hilario Ayuban Jr.

READ: Heavy rains trigger flooding, road damage across Bohol

Clearing operations continued with personnel from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management office, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 3rd Engineering District, barangay officials and volunteers.

No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

Meanwhile, heavy rains also triggered a landslide along the national highway in Barangay Gotozon, Loboc, on Friday afternoon.

The Loboc Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said a portion of the slope gave way despite the presence of slope protection measures.

Authorities closed one lane and implemented one-way traffic to ensure the safety of motorists passing through the affected area.

The DPWH has begun taking action to address the damage to the road, the MDRRMO said.

Motorists were advised to exercise caution and follow traffic instructions from authorities while clearing and response operations continued.