15/11/2025
May God’s comforting presence be upon all families affected by the recent typhoons and calamities.
We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We hold you in our prayers, believing that the Lord will strengthen you, comfort you, and bless you as you recover and rise again.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
In times of loss, may you feel God’s nearness, peace, and unfailing love.
TYPHOON UWAN LEAVES TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION ACROSS NORTHERN LUZON
MANILA — Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) has left at least eight people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million residents across the Philippines after barreling through northern Luzon over the weekend, toppling homes, flooding towns, and cutting power and communication lines in several provinces.
The powerful storm made landfall in Aurora province with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 230 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Heavy rains and violent winds battered large parts of Luzon, triggering floods and landslides that buried homes and blocked major roads.
In Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, and Catanduanes, local officials reported severe damage to infrastructure, with bridges collapsing and villages becoming isolated due to landslides. Thousands of homes were destroyed or partially damaged, and wide areas remain without electricity and clean water.
Disaster response teams have begun clearing operations and delivering relief goods to evacuation centers, where thousands of displaced families are now staying. Authorities said the number of casualties could still rise as search and rescue operations continue in hard-to-reach areas.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) confirmed that more than 1.4 million individuals have been affected nationwide. The government has declared a state of calamity to speed up the release of emergency funds and aid.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate restoration of basic services, power, and water supply in the worst-hit areas. He also called on local governments to coordinate closely with national agencies in implementing recovery measures.
The typhoon came just weeks after Typhoon Kalmaegi struck parts of Luzon, leaving the ground saturated and communities more vulnerable to flooding and landslides. Weather experts warned that climate change is fueling stronger and more frequent storms in the region, putting the Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, in constant danger.
As floodwaters begin to recede, authorities are assessing the full extent of the destruction. For many families, however, the long road to rebuilding homes and livelihoods has only begun.
📷 AP
