Mass Evacuation as Super Typhoon Uwan Strikes Philippines
The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Sunday, November 9, 2025, that nearly one million people have been preemptively evacuated ahead of Super Typhoon Uwan's onslaught. During a press conference, OCD Deputy Administrator for Administration Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV revealed that 270,682 families or 916,863 individuals have been moved to evacuation centers to ensure their safety from the typhoon's impacts.
Bicol Region Bears the Brunt
The Bicol Region recorded the highest number of evacuees due to Typhoon Uwan, with 192,765 families or 660,721 people seeking shelter. Other affected regions include Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, National Capital Region, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and Western Visayas.
Alejandro reported that Bicol experienced strong winds and moderate to heavy rainfall from Uwan, which is currently moving toward northern Luzon. "Incidents reported so far in Bicol as of 10 o'clock, meron na pong reported flooding in Barangay Masarawag in Guinobatan, Albay. Ito ang palaging problema kapag may lahar flow," Alejandro detailed.
Multiple Regions Face Flooding and Storm Surges
The official further elaborated on specific areas affected: "Sa Virac, Catanduanes naman, yun nga may mga reported storm surge and reported floodings also in Virac -- Barangay Gogon, San Isidro, Imelda Boulevard -- and reported floodings in Gigmoto, Catanduanes."
Power outages and communication line problems have also been experienced across the region, complicating rescue and relief operations. In response to the escalating situation, search, retrieval, and rescue teams from multiple agencies have been deployed.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection are all participating in preparedness measures as Uwan continues to affect the country.
In a separate statement, acting PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that aside from rescue personnel, essential equipment has been deployed throughout areas expected to be hit by the typhoon.
