Metro Manila, Philippines – Intense winds and rains from Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) lashed through Bicol region on Sunday, Nov. 9, and threatened most parts of Luzon and portions of Visayas.
Even if the typhoon did not hit land in Catanduanes, “Uwan” triggered storm surges and flooding in the province, displacing at least 76,000 locals.
On Sunday morning, Virac was submerged in flood waters due to storm surges. In Pandan, another coastal town in Catanduanes, roads were also flooded while houses were destroyed.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said at least one person reportedly drowned in a flash flood in Viga, with the reported death up for validation.
“Uwan” also affected other areas in the Bicol region. Rescuers in Brgy. Burabod in Sorsogon City braved high flood waters in Sitio Isla de Higante to assist trapped residents.
Towns of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte also felt typhoon-force winds throughout Sunday.
Amid the onslaught of “Uwan,” the PNR railway at the boundary of Maipon and San Rafael, Guinobatan was damaged.
Meanwhile, “Uwan” also brought storm surges in Dingalan, Aurora, even before the typhoon drew close. Locals were seen pulling boats away from the shoreline on Sunday morning, but nipa huts were already toppled.
Philippine Coast Guard personnel also conducted the forced evacuation of residents in various high-risk areas in Quezon.
On Sunday afternoon, the Office of Civil Defense reported around 1.1 million Filipinos were preemptively evacuated.
But Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro appealed for others not heeding evacuation orders to follow authorities.
“Sumunod na tayo dahil ito ay makaka-save ng buhay [Let’s follow as this can save lives],” Teodoro said in a livestream.
“Uwan” hit the Philippines days after Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). The death toll for Tino has risen to 224, with rescuers still searching for 109 missing people.
