Typhoon Uwan Crosses Luzon, 71 Roads and 26 Bridges Left Impassable

Typhoon Uwan continues to weaken after crossing the Luzon landmass, but its impact remains widespread across several regions. In its latest advisory issued at 11 AM on November 10, PAGASA reported that Uwan, previously a Super Typhoon, has been downgraded as it moves toward the West Philippine Sea.

As of 10 AM, the typhoon’s center was located about 135 kilometers west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union. It carries maximum sustained winds of 135 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts reaching 160 kilometers per hour, and is moving north-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour. 

PAGASA expects Uwan to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by 8 AM on November 11 and may re-strengthen slightly as it moves over open waters.

Luzon Still Under Wind Signals

Wind Signal No. 3 remains in effect over Ilocos Sur, northern and central La Union, and the northwestern part of Pangasinan. Signal No. 2 is still raised over Northern and Central Luzon provinces, including Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Abra, and Tarlac, while Signal No. 1 covers Metro Manila and parts of Southern Luzon. 

Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert as strong winds and heavy rains continue to pose risks of flooding and landslides.

Casualties Reported

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that around 1.3 million people sought shelter ahead of Uwan’s landfall. Nearly 482,000 remain displaced, with three in five staying in evacuation centers. 

The Bicol Region suffered the most significant impact, with over 650,000 residents affected. 

Two deaths and two injuries were confirmed, one each from Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

Infrastructure Damage and Power Outages

Typhoon Uwan left 71 roads and 26 bridges impassable across eight regions, mainly in Bicol and Cagayan Valley. Power interruptions hit 155 cities and municipalities, though 15 have since regained electricity. Operations in 180 seaports were also suspended due to rough sea conditions, stranding over 6,000 passengers and nearly 3,000 rolling cargoes.

In the Bicol Region, a Philippine National Railways (PNR) bridge in Guinobatan, Albay, collapsed due to heavy flooding, disrupting train service between Naga and Legazpi. PNR General Manager Deovanni Miranda stated that inspections and repairs will commence once weather conditions improve.

Recovery Underway

While Uwan continues to move away, authorities remain on alert for further damage reports as clearing and relief operations continue. PAGASA warns that strong winds and rains may persist in northern Luzon until the typhoon fully exits PAR.

Despite the challenges, Uwan’s aftermath highlights improved coordination and disaster readiness. Officials credited early evacuation and cooperation from residents for preventing higher casualties, citing lessons learned from Typhoon Tino’s devastation last year. OCD Deputy Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said early compliance with evacuation orders has improved the country’s disaster preparedness.

References

Dizon, D. (n.d.). Uwan weakens further, forecast to exit PAR Tuesday. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/11/10/uwan-weakens-further-forecast-to-exit-par-tuesday-0611

Flores, D. N. (n.d.). 1.3 million flee, 2 dead, 500,000 displaced due to ‘Uwan’. PhilStar. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/11/10/2486176/13-million-flee-2-dead-500000-displaced-due-uwan

GMA News Online. (n.d.). Uwan batters Luzon with storm surge, infra damage, power outages. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/965527/uwan-batters-luzon-with-storm-surge-infra-damage-power-outages/story/

Mendoza, J. E. (n.d.). 2 reported dead as Typhoon Uwan whips Luzon. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2137251/2-reported-dead-due-to-uwan

Tulay ng PNR sa Albay, wasak sa hagupit ng Super Typhoon Uwan. (n.d.). Brigada Online. https://brigada.ph/articles/read/tulay-ng-pnr-sa-albay-wasak-sa-hagupit-ng-super-typhoon-uwan_15712.html