(UPDATED) Six towns in Davao Oriental have been disconnected from other areas because of a surface rupture on the national highway on Thursday in Barangay Tagabakid, Mati City heading to the town of Tarragona.
 
This was caused by ground movement and landslide, which were brought about by heavy rains in the past weeks.
 
Although the national highway remains impassable to all types of vehicles, the local government is preparing for an alternate route.
 
The Mati City DRRMO has reported that ground movements are still being recorded in the landslide-affected area.
 
"At the moment, motorists from Davao City and other provinces planning to travel to Davao Oriental’s east coast towns are advised to take the Compostela road in Davao de Oro going to Cateel, Davao Oriental. All roads from Davao City and other provinces going to Mati are all passable," the Mati City LGU said in a statement.

- report from Hernel Tocmo