THE number of people killed by Super Typhoon “Uwan” has increased to six, while fatalities from the earlier Typhoon “Tino” have reached 232, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
In its latest update, the agency said Uwan claimed six lives, three in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), and one each in Bicol (Region 5), Western Visayas (Region 6), and Eastern Visayas (Region 8). Thirteen individuals were injured, and no one remains missing.
Despite the typhoon’s intensity, officials attributed the relatively low casualty figure to aggressive preemptive evacuation measures, with nearly 1.5 million residents moved to safety ahead of Uwan’s landfall.
“As shown by the millions who evacuated, our preemptive actions were effective. Close coordination with local governments and the public helped keep casualties low,” said Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV.
He said relief distribution and clearing efforts are underway in heavily affected areas, particularly Catanduanes, Aurora, and Pangasinan.
“Catanduanes urgently needs emergency shelter support and continued relief operations. Several towns in Aurora, including Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag, were isolated, but road-clearing is in progress. Flooding also remains an issue in Pangasinan,” Alejandro added.
According to the NDRRMC, Uwan affected 2.35 million individuals, or 652,632 families, across 15 regions. More than 803,000 people sought shelter in 10,818 evacuation centers, while another 265,000 were assisted outside.
At least 4,143 houses were damaged across the Ilocos Region, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Flooding hit 267 areas nationwide, while 299 road sections and 56 bridges became impassable at the height of the storm. Power and water outages struck 426 cities and towns, though restoration efforts continue.
Government assistance has reached ₱48.88 million, benefiting 58,664 families, about 28 percent of the total affected population.
TINO’S HEAVY TOLL
In contrast, Typhoon Tino, which swept through parts of the Visayas and Mindanao earlier, resulted in 232 deaths, 112 missing persons, and 523 injuries, according to a separate NDRRMC briefing.
Cebu recorded the highest fatalities at 150 and the most injuries at 451. Negros Occidental reported 42 deaths, followed by Negros Oriental with 21.
Other affected areas include Agusan del Sur (6 deaths), Capiz (3), Dinagat Islands (2), Southern Leyte (2), Leyte (2), and one each in Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Bohol.
Tino affected more than 4.16 million people across eight regions and damaged over 155,000 houses. Combined agricultural and infrastructure losses were estimated at ₱337.6 million.
Alejandro said the government applied lessons learned from Tino in preparing for Uwan, resulting in quicker coordination and fewer casualties.
“Early evacuations and the readiness of communities made a significant difference,” he said.
As of Tuesday, isolated areas in Aurora have been reconnected, and no new missing-person cases have been reported.
Relief operations are ongoing as authorities work to restore essential services and support displaced families.