Transport restricted in northern parts of the country

Transport in the north of the country remains severely restricted with many towns and villages are only accessible by long detours. Some routes can only be covered by a combination of rail and bus transport due to the fact that both railway lines and roads have been damaged. The authorities have appealed to the public not to drive to the stricken region if possible in order to facilitate clean-up operations. Emergency crews are working around the clock dealing with mud-slides, collapsed bridges and roads.