Northern Samar Records Zero Casualties as Super Typhoon Uwan Hits

• Northern Samar reported zero casualties from Super Typhoon Uwan, attributing the success to preemptive evacuations of over 45,700 residents. Timely warnings and coordinated efforts ensured community safety despite widespread damage.

Jazmin Bonifacio 6 months ago 5.7 K

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — Amid nearly 18 hours of howling winds and relentless rain from Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) on November 9, 2025, Northern Samar achieved what many coastal provinces strive for but rarely see: zero casualties.

The province’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that all local government units confirmed no deaths, a result attributed to timely preemptive evacuations that moved 45,706 residents to safe shelters before the typhoon made landfall.

Evacuation centers, including the provincial gymnasium in Catarman, were filled with families who had been alerted well in advance, thanks to efficient early-warning systems and strong coordination among local authorities, uniformed personnel, volunteers, and community leaders.

“As the typhoon moves away from our province, we are grateful that no lives were lost,” said PDRRMO chief Rei Josiah Echano on Monday in an interview with The Vanguard News

Echano praised the active participation of local DRRM officers, barangay officials, and volunteers for their tireless work in ensuring evacuation procedures were followed, while also assisting residents with transportation, emergency kits, and relief services. The provincial government highlighted the seamless cooperation between national and local agencies as a critical factor in safeguarding lives.

Super Typhoon Uwan, one of the strongest tropical cyclones to hit the region this year, caused extensive disruptions across Eastern Visayas. Roads were flooded, power lines toppled, and crops battered by the heavy rain and wind. However, the proactive measures implemented in Northern Samar ensured that no lives were lost—a remarkable feat amid the storm’s fury.

The provincial government continues to assess the impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and public utilities as part of ongoing post-disaster response operations. For many residents, the storm reinforced a powerful lesson: preparation, cooperation, and community solidarity can turn potential tragedy into survival and resilience.

Photo: PDRRMC orders heightened alert status, activation of disaster response clusters, and pre-emptive evacuation in coastal areas before typhoon Uwan passes close to Northern Samar on Novemberr 7. (The Provincial Government of Northern Samar FB page)