Uprooted Balete tree causes traffic jam

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Motorists were locked in a “moderate traffic jam” for more than an hour on 6th Lacson Streets here after a balete tree or “lunok” was uprooted early Monday morning.

Dondon Parandas, officer-in-charge of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said the tree, which was almost 30 feet tall, was uprooted by strong winds and heavy rains since Sunday night.

Parandas said they received the report on the fallen tree around 8 a.m. yesterday, prompting the Flood Control team, especially those assigned in pruning the trees, to respond to the area for clearing operation.

The uprooted tree occupied more than half of the lane, which caused traffic in the area but Parandas said the traffic flow was manageable.

He said they had no difficulty clearing the area since they have equipment for the said purpose.

He said no injuries or damage to properties were reported.