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By Adrian H. Halili and Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporters
TYPHOON Fung-wong, commonly referred to as Uwan, has resulted in at least 18 fatalities primarily due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall throughout Luzon and Visayas, as reported by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday.
OCD Deputy Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV indicated that casualties were documented in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Bicol Region (Region 5), Western Visayas (Region 6), and Eastern Visayas (Region 8).
“There were three in Region 2, 12 in CAR mostly as a result of landslides, one in Region 5 due to drowning, one in Region 6 as a consequence of electrocution, and one in Region 8,” Mr. Alejandro announced during a livestreamed briefing.
He mentioned that officials have recorded 28 injuries and two individuals reported missing due to the repercussions of storm surge.
The Philippines remains under a calamity state following the extensive destruction caused by the dual storms across multiple regions.
The nation was still recovering from the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi (Locally named: Tino), which resulted in over 200 deaths, when Uwan impacted vast areas of Luzon on Sunday evening.
Uwan, the 21st storm to affect the Philippines this year, led to widespread flooding, storm surges, strong winds, and landslides across over 6,900 local villages. It displaced 2.4 million individuals, with approximately 804,000 seeking shelter in evacuation centers.
Uwan, which reached super typhoon classification, has since diminished in strength as it passed through the remainder of Luzon, exiting the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday, according to the state weather bureau.
In an 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the typhoon had weakened into a severe tropical storm as it advanced outside of the PAR towards Taiwan.
Northern Luzon continues to experience the aftermath of Uwan, with PAGASA issuing Signal No. 2 over Batanes and the western part of Ilocos Norte; while other sections of Cagayan Valley, CAR, and Ilocos Region are under a lower wind warning.
Uwan was last located 370 kilometers west-northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, and is moving north-northwest at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour (kph). It had maximum sustained winds of 110 kph near its center and gusts up to 135 kph.
PAGASA noted that Uwan may re-enter PAR on Wednesday evening as it is expected to make landfall on the southwestern coast of Taiwan.
The weather bureau has also continued to advise mariners against sea travel along northern and central Luzon coastlines, urging vessels to remain in port or seek safe haven until conditions improve.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Meanwhile, electricity and communication services have been reinstated in over half of the regions affected by Uwan, as Cabinet secretaries have been dispatched to oversee response and recovery efforts across the Visayas and Bicol regions, Malacañang reported on Tuesday.
Citing data from the Department of Energy (DoE), Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro noted that power has been restored in 454 out of 712 municipalities impacted by the storm, or about 60% of the affected areas.
Referencing Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Ms. Castro mentioned that restoration operations continue for approximately three million customers still without electricity, while 60 electric cooperatives remain under close observation.
Initial DoE assessments estimated the damage to energy assets at over P4 million.
Simultaneously, telecommunication services have also been progressively restored, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
As of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, 82% of Smart’s network, 77% of Globe’s, 63% of DITO’s, and 79% of Converge’s connections were back online.
Ms. Castro cited DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda stating that restoration teams are prioritizing areas where communication remains crucial for rescue and logistical operations.
Government relief initiatives are ongoing, she noted. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that P324.1 million in assistance has been dispensed to families affected by Typhoon Tino, while P48.1 million has been allocated for communities impacted by Uwan.
Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian, currently in Catanduanes, reported that 600,000 family food packs and 21,000 ready-to-eat boxes have been distributed in the two regions affected by the typhoons.
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, who is in Leyte, stated that P8.2 million worth of medical supplies and nutritional items have been dispatched to five municipalities in Southern Leyte, including Silago and Sogod.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara has been evaluating damaged schools in Negros Occidental to assess structural integrity, while Tourism Secretary Ma. Christina G. Frasco is examining the extent of damage to tourism attractions and facilities.
The Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped area of intense seismic and volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean.
This location renders the nation one of the most disaster-afflicted in the globe, facing frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.
This geologic context has influenced the country’s landscape and presented continual challenges for infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and economic resilience.
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