'Uwan' leaves swath of destruction

Super Typhoon “Uwan” battered large parts of Luzon and Visayas, triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and power outages that left at least two people dead, 830,000 individuals severely affected, and roughly 2.9 million consumers experiencing power outages, officials reported on Monday, Nov. 10.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG, GABRIELLE CHRISTEL GALANG, and TRIXIE ROSEL

Uwan, which made landfall in Aurora Sunday night, has already weakened after crossing the mountainous terrain of Luzon and is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early today, Nov. 11. However, it could reenter the Philippines on Wednesday, Nov. 12, as it moves over the waters southwest of Taiwan.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, civil defense deputy administrator for administration, said one fatality was recorded in Viga, Catanduanes due to drowning while another one was reported in Catbalogan City,

Samar due to a collapsed structure.

Two persons were also reported injured in Bicol (Region 5) and Eastern Visayas (Region 8).

"These are still subject for validation," Alejandro said.

The death toll is feared to further increase as twins aged five reportedly died following a landslide that occurred in Barangay Balangabang, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Regarding the reported casualties, these were from the landslide that occurred early this morning (Monday). However, I have referred the matter to the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] since the announcement of deaths and missing persons falls under their jurisdiction," Police Colonel Esmeraldo Osia Jr. said in a press briefing hosted by the OCD at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.