Typhoons Tino, Uwan devastate PH; aid efforts begin

METRO MANILA — Two powerful typhoons that struck the Philippines in rapid succession have left hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and widespread destruction across already devastated communities.

Typhoon Fung-Wong, locally named Uwan, made landfall on the country’s eastern coast on November 9 with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 215 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Its landfall came just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, tore through the Visayas region, compounding the damage left by back-to-back natural disasters.

Initial reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) cited massive flooding, widespread power outages, and deadly landslides across several provinces, forcing thousands of families to flee their homes.

Entire villages were flattened, croplands destroyed, and basic infrastructure left unusable in areas worst hit by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which also affected northern Vietnam and left nearly 200 people dead in the Philippines alone.

“We didn’t know if we would have anywhere to return to,” said Mary Ann, a 34-year-old mother from Southern Leyte, one of the provinces struck by Tino on Tuesday.

“Thankfully, we evacuated in time, or we might not be here today,” she said, now staying in an evacuation center with her family.

“We don’t know where we will get the materials to rebuild our home,” she added. “Right now, all we hope for is to receive essential supplies like food and water, especially since I have a five-month-old baby.”

In Southern Leyte, the municipalities of Silago, Saint Bernard, and Bontoc reported extensive destruction, with residents now in need of urgent assistance.

With roads blocked and communications down in multiple towns, local governments and humanitarian groups are facing serious challenges in delivering aid and conducting search and rescue operations.

Plan International Pilipinas has deployed emergency response teams to the hardest-hit areas, prioritizing life-saving aid such as water, hygiene kits, and menstrual health supplies.

“The situation is dire—children and young women are in grave danger,” said Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas.

“In crises like these, girls are often the most vulnerable,” she added. “They urgently need safe spaces and access to essential health care and services to help them recover and rebuild their lives. Our teams are working around the clock to reach the most devastated communities, but we cannot do it alone. Every act of generosity can help save lives.”

The Philippines, which faces an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually, is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

Climate experts have long warned that storms affecting the country are becoming increasingly intense and destructive due to the worsening global climate crisis.