A portion of the steel bridge used for the ongoing Camalaniugan-Aparri Bridge project in Cagayan was swept away by the strong current of the Cagayan River.

The steel bridge served as a crucial route for heavy equipment and was opened temporarily to motorists during specific hours—7 a.m. to 8 a.m., 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents used it as a shortcut to Aparri, saving over an hour of travel time.

With the bridge damaged, residents now rely on boats for transportation.

"Siyempre kapag emergency — kasi may dalawang barangay kami sa kabila — mas mabilis sana na puntahan kung mayroon ‘yan kasi binubuksan naman nila kapag may emergency," Cesar Rosendo, Camalaniugan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Officer, said.

Floodwaters in the region have started to recede, with the Cagayan River’s level recorded at 9.8 meters as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

Authorities in Tuguegarao City began clearing operations, and evacuees are expected to return home soon.

"Hopefully, ngayon makakabalik na ang mga evacuees natin sa mga bahay nila," Ruelie Rapsing, Officer in Charge of the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said.

Relief efforts continue for affected residents.