Massive traffic jam hits Manila port
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2019 09:45:47 +0000
CARGO trucks barely move, creating a monster traffic jam, at the northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard in Manila after the Port of Manila suspended operations yesterday due to bad weather. (Ali Vicoy)
Motorists were advised yesterday to avoid Roxas Boulevard, Radial Road 10, and other roads leading to the Port of Manila due to a massive traffic jam caused by the slow processing of trucks in the port due to the inclement weather.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, through Chief of Staff Cesar Chavez, warned drivers that the traffic jam could last until last night.
“Inaasahan po namin na tatagal ang trapikong ito hanggang mamayang hapon, at maaari ring abutin hangang mamayang gabi,” Domagoso said.
He asked truck drivers to avoid completing their journey towards the pier if they are still outside the city.
Chavez said he was informed by Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago that port operations at the South Harbor had been shut down since Thursday afternoon due to the severe weather disturbance caused by typhoon “Hanna” (international name “Lekima”) and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
Santiago said wind speeds of up to 16 meters per second forced the port’s cranes to a full stop.
Intermittent wind speed patterns and uncertainty in safety meant operations at the South Harbor were suspended at the discretion of operators, Santiago said.
“As a result, nag-ipon-ipon ‘yung mga truck sa port gates and surrounding premises, contributing to vehicular congestion along major thoroughfares leading to and from port gates in South Harbor.” (Erma Edera and PNA)