Residents of Virac, Catanduanes, flee to the rooftops of their homes to avoid being trapped amid the ferocious onslaught of Typhoon Uwan, which has caused heavy flooding in the area. | Screenshot YouTube
MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Uwan, which intensified into a super typhoon over the weekend, made landfall in Dinalungan, Aurora province late Sunday night, unleashing torrential rains and destructive winds across Northern and Central Luzon. With wind speeds reaching up to 185 kilometers per hour, Uwan became one of the strongest storms to hit the country this year, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency response efforts.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 5 warnings in several provinces as Uwan swept westward across the Luzon landmass. The storm’s path included Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, and La Union, where it exited early Monday morning. Despite its departure, the typhoon left behind a trail of flooded communities, damaged infrastructure, and displaced families.
At least two fatalities have been confirmed: one in Virac, Catanduanes, and another in Catbalogan City, Samar. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, with reports of submerged bridges, landslides, and impassable roads in mountainous and low-lying areas.
Residents evacuated
More than 1.4 million residents were evacuated from high-risk zones, including parts of Metro Manila, Quezon, Isabela, and the Bicol Region. In Marikina City, families were seen evacuating with their pets as river levels rose dangerously. In Sto. Niño, Cagayan, the Chico River overflowed, inundating farmlands and cutting off access to several barangays.
The provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Zambales also reported significant damage, with local governments initiating road-clearing operations and relief distribution. In Tuguegarao City, flood warnings were issued due to spillover from the Magat Dam, raising concerns for downstream communities.
Storm surges of up to 3 meters were forecast along coastal provinces, including Pangasinan, the Ilocos Region, and parts of the Visayas. PAGASA warned that while Uwan has exited Luzon, residual rains and gusts could still affect western provinces and offshore areas.
Return Bout in Forecast in The Visayas
Relief organizations have mobilized rapidly. The Philippine Red Cross deployed teams to affected areas. At the same time, Angat Buhay and GMA Kapuso Foundation launched donation drives and distributed food packs in Negros Occidental, Cebu, Capiz, and Zamboanga City. President Donald Trump, currently visiting the region, expressed condolences and pledged support through the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Local officials urged residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to landslides and flash floods. “We may have seen the eye pass, but the danger is not over,” said Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who is overseeing the national disaster response.
Typhoon Uwan’s impact underscores the archipelago’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and coordinated emergency planning. As the nation begins recovery efforts, communities brace for the long road ahead—rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and preparing for the next storm.
