The partial cost of damage to public infrastructure in three regions by Tropical Depression Agaton is over PHP1 billion, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Wednesday.

According to DPWH Secretary Roger Mercado, citing the latest report from the DPWH Bureau of Maintenance, the estimated damage to national roads and bridges is at PHP1.45 billion in Regions 8 (Eastern Visayas), 12 (Soccksargen), and 13 (Caraga).

He said the damage to infrastructure was estimated at PHP1.30 billion -- PHP1.27 billion on roads, and PHP30 million on bridges.

The DPWH also reported PHP6.06 million damage to national roads in Region 12, while Region 13 incurred PHP118.4 million damage to national roads and PHP27 million to bridges.

On the other hand, the DPWH said 47 out of the 50 affected roads in the regions of Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas have been cleared and reopened.

It added that DPWH Quick Response Teams are still clearing three remaining closed national road sections in Leyte and Southern Leyte.

In Southern Leyte, the Maasin City - Buenavista Bontoc - Bdry. Hilongos Road (Maasin - Bontoc) in Barangay Lunas is still closed due to road cut; the San Miguel - Conception - Daang Maharlika Road., K1210+415 - K1211+348 is also closed due to hollow abutment; while the Bil-atan, San Ricardo - San Roque, Liloan Road in Barangay San Roque and Barangay Malangsa, Liloa-an and in Barangay San Ramon, San Ricardo, Southern Leyte is also closed due to landslide and rockslide.

Warning signs have been installed in these areas while DPWH conducts continuous clearing operations. (PNA)

(Photo credits to: Interaksyon)