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The state meteorological agency on Sunday morning elevated tropical cyclone wind alert No. 5 over Catanduanes and adjacent regions as Super Typhoon Fung Wong, locally referred to as Uwan, further escalated, unleashing perilous winds and heavy rains while advancing toward Luzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its 8 a.m. update, also classified Polillo Islands, the northern section of Camarines Norte, and the eastern section of Camarines Sur under Signal No. 5.
Neighboring provinces, such as Albay, Quezon, and portions of Bicol, remain under Signal No. 4, encountering winds up to 184 kph.
Metro Manila, central Luzon, and extensive areas of Northern Luzon are under lower alerts but continue to be at risk of tempestuous winds, significant rains, and coastal inundation as Uwan draws near.
Uwan was exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour close to the core and gusts surging to 230 kph, establishing it as one of the most formidable storms to impact the nation this year.
The system was last observed 125 kilometers east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, proceeding west-northwest at 25 kph.
The super typhoon is anticipated to make landfall over Aurora province late on Sunday or early on Monday, potentially at its peak intensity, before diminishing as it traverses the mountainous regions of Northern Luzon.
PAGASA cautioned that “life-threatening situations” are already being felt in Catanduanes, with extensive destruction to homes, electrical lines, and trees likely.
It further noted that heavy downpours, storm surges, and robust gusts could continue even in regions outside the storm’s direct trajectory.
Local government entities also halted classes for Monday, Nov. 10, in preparation for the effects of Uwan.
The Philippines—recognized as one of the most disaster-prone nations globally—encounters approximately 20 tropical cyclones annually.
Uwan arrives as officials persist with relief operations for areas still recuperating from Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino), which resulted in fatal flash floods in the Visayas and Mindanao earlier this month.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last Thursday declared a state of calamity for the country to facilitate the more expedient allocation of funds. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
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