Manila Bulletin Online, September 20, 2005

Three Aurora Towns Still Isolated

Landslides triggered by the non-stop rains blocked several sections of the Baler-Casiguran road leaving the towns of Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag in Northern Aurora virtually isolated.

Commuters, including students, bound for Baler have been stranded in Barangay Ditawini in the town of Dipaculao. It was also reported that several trucks and light vehicles carrying food and other perishable goods were stranded in rivers after they developed engine trouble attempting river crossings.

The local DPWH office has already dispatched a heavy equipment to do clearing operations of the landslide-hit section of the road at Tawini but has been unable to immediately reach the area because the Bianoan and Sampay Rivers in Casiguran have overflowed.

Meanwhile, improved weather condition yesterday allowed DPWH officials to start clearing work on the Baler-Bongabon Road.