Hundreds of houses were destroyed in the town of Caramoran, Catanduanes after Super Typhoon Uwan unleashed strong winds and powerful waves that devastated coastal communities, particularly in Barangay Sabangan and Barangay Tubli, according to RH Ruel Saldico's report.
In an interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos, TGP Partylist Representative Jose Teves Jr., said the massive waves battered the shoreline in Barangay Tubli, completely washing away around 28 houses.
“Kung wala pong seawall na nakatayo rito, siguro halos lahat ng bahay dito sa dalawang barangay ay talagang babagsak lahat ito at marami siguro namatay na tao kung hindi nakapag-evacuate noong kasagsagan ng bagyo,” Teves said.
Almost all motorbancas used by local fishermen were also destroyed, further affecting the livelihood of residents who depend on fishing as their primary source of income.
The northern part of Catanduanes bore the brunt of Uwan’s fury, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Reyes confirmed that Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited the affected areas to inspect the damage and oversee relief distribution. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) initially provided 25 food packs to families in need and will later extended assistance to 87 affected households in Barangay Tubli.
Gatchalian also pledged cash assistance of ₱10,000 for totally damaged homes and ₱5,000 for partially damaged ones, according to the congressman.
Mayor Reyes also appealed to Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. for aid to farmers and fishermen whose livelihoods were heavily affected.
He emphasized the plight of abaca farmers, which is Catanduanes, known as the “Abaca Capital of the Philippines,” produces over 30% of the country’s abaca fiber.
Typhoon Uwan's toll
The entire province of Catanduanes was placed under Signal No. 5 as Super Typhoon Uwan brought destructive winds and torrential rain.
As of 6:00 a.m. on November 12, national disaster authorities reported 27 deaths across the country, including one fatality in Catanduanes, while one person remains missing.
