Child’s eyewitness account of Super Typhoon ‘Uwan’: A lot stronger than ‘Kristine’
By Katrina Hallare | Field and Emergency Communications Specialist
For 17-year-old Luis, Super Typhoon “Uwan” (international name: “Fung-wong”) reminds him of the horrors that he went through with Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: “Trami”)—only much worse.
“We’re here in the nearby evacuation. With last year, we didn’t experience strong winds. Floods were also high; it would reach the second floor of some homes,” the boy from Camarines Norte said.
“This year, it’s much worse. Not only are we experiencing strong winds and torrential rains. We’re seeing roofs of our neighbors being blown away,” Luis added.
Camarines Norte is one of the hardest hit by “Kristine” last year, leaving thousands of families affected. This year, the province once again is facing the threat of an equally powerful storm, with the area currently under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5, where, as per the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), “life-threatening conditions” are expected from the super typhoon.
Camarines Norte is also one of the 10 area programs where World Vision works in Luzon.
Similar to Luis’ account is Gilda Vergara, a community volunteer. “We’re experiencing strong winds. We don’t’ have any spot to lie on or to rest for a bit as it is already flooded inside our home. We’re scared of the winds here. It may blow off the roof at any moment.”
“Uwan,” the 21st tropical cyclone to enter the Philippines, reached super typhoon level on Sunday, Nov. 9. Signal No. 5 is currently up in five areas including Camarines Norte. “Uwan” made landfall in Dinalungan, Aurora.
Other areas in Luzon are also affected, including Metro Manila currently under TCWS No. 3. “Uwan” caused more than a million people to be evacuated out of their homes, and prompted the national government to suspend work and classes across nine regions in Luzon and Visayas.
To recall, Visayas was recently battered by Typhoon “Tino” (international name: “Kalmaegi”), that left 224 dead in Cebu and Negros provinces, and displaced thousands of families. This came more than a month after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that rattled the island.
World Vision is currently responding to the needs of families affected by “Tino” and is currently coordinating with local government units to monitor the storm’s path and later on assess the impact of “Uwan” and later identify the urgent needs of those affected by “Uwan.”
“World Vision remains committed to communities to recover, adapt, and build resilience in the face of a changing climate,” World Vision Resource Development Director Jun Godornes said.
“We urge everyone to stay vigilant and alert and continue to advocate to those most vulnerable to disasters and emergencies. We ask for prayers for affected families and appeal for cash donations so World Vision can help augment the efforts of the government in providing relief aid, especially to children and families affected by the typhoon,” he added.
