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Tingting snarls traffic across island
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Posted on Jun 28 2004
Devastating winds of 90mph and the heavy rain brought by Typhoon Tingting stranded several motorists yesterday, with several vehicles forced to seek help from the Department of Public Safety after their cars got stuck due to the heavy floods.
Although unable to provide a specific number, DPS public information officer Rose Ada-Hocog said quite a few vehicles requested assistance.
“People are still traveling and still crossing streets where fallen lines are obviously visible. There is major flooding in all areas, and officers had to be dispatched to areas where people were left stranded.”
Electrical lines were lying on the streets, trees were uprooted, and traffic lights were malfunctioning. One particular traffic light located between the Duty Free Shoppers Galleria and the Joeten Shopping Center in Garapan had both red and green lights on at the same time, bringing confusion to several motorists crossing the area.
DPS commissioner Edward Camacho issued a public advisory at about 2:46pm, urging motorists to stay off the roads under weather conditions improved.
“Many streets are flooded, visibility at times is near zero, power to most streetlights is out, and debris that can damage vehicles is hidden by standing water,” he said. “Only essential and emergency trips should be taken.”
Camacho urged that all vehicles travel with headlights on.
“Conditions are expected to remain severe at least for the next 12 hours,” he said.
Hocog said that aside from monitoring traffic for safety, DPS officers have also been assisting other departments and emergency crews.
“We have officers who help out and do what they can. They are also assisting with the cutting of trees and branches that fell, among others,” she said.
Hocog also disclosed that people have been dialing 911 for cases that were not even close to being considered emergencies.
“Some people are calling 911 and are asking when the power will be turned on,” she said. “This is an emergency line only, and hence, emergency.”
Tropical storm Tingting was elevated to Typhoon Tingting Condition I at about 2:30pm yesterday.
