Metro Manila, Philippines – Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) killed at least two people, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported Monday, Nov. 10, after the tropical cyclone caused massive flooding, damaged houses, and blocked roads in Luzon.
OCD Assistant Secretary Rafaelito Alejandro said one person drowned in a flash flood in Viga, Catandaunes, while another was crushed under her house that collapsed in Catbalogan City, Samar. These were up for validation.
He added at least two people were injured.
The police, meanwhile, said twins aged 5 were buried in a landslide in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, while their parents were rushed to a hospital.
Alejandro said the fatality count may remain low, attributing it to the early evacuation of people in threatened areas.
Around 1.4 million sought safety before the typhoon hit, according to government data, with over 400,000 displaced people. Satellite images on Sunday showed clouds from “Uwan” almost covering the whole archipelago.
“Kung meron man dagdag, one or two, but it will be very minimal based on initial reports that we are getting from the ground,” Alejandro said in a briefing.
“Titingnan nalang natin dito talaga ‘yong extent ng damage na dala niya,” he said.
[Translation: If there will be more deaths, it may be one or two, but it will be very minimal based on the initial reports that we are getting from the ground. We are now looking at the extent of the damage.]
Alejandro said at least 1,000 houses were damaged.
Isolated towns
Super Typhoon Uwan passed close to Catanduanes on Sunday, before hitting Dinalungan, Aurora by 9:10 p.m., when it was downgraded to a typhoon.
Alejandro said the towns of Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag were isolated due to landslides.
The storm surge also damaged portions of the Baler-Casiguran Road.
“Nagbigay tayo ng utos na tulungan kaagad ‘yong LGU (local government unit) ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) na ma-clear ito para maabot na rin sila kaagad,” he said.
“At the same time, ma-restore or bigyan ng communication kasi our [regional office] is having a difficult time connecting with them,” he said.
[Translation: We ordered the DPWH to help the LGU to clear roads so that we can access them. At the same time, their communication should be restored because our regional office is having a difficult time connecting with them.]
Authorities conducted clearing operations Monday morning, including felled trees on roads.
By Monday afternoon, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported 30 national road sections in Luzon and Mindanao were impassable.
“Uwan” made landfall days after Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) battered mainly the Visayas, and killed over 200 people.
