Pangasinan: Super Typhoon Uwan, known internationally as Fung-wong, has inflicted over PHP411 million in initial damage to Pangasinan's agriculture, livestock, and infrastructure, as reported by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the breakdown of the damage reveals that over PHP234 million is attributed to agriculture, with PHP137.19 million affecting high-value crops, PHP78.26 million impacting rice (palay), PHP8 million on corn, and PHP11.27 million on fisheries. Livestock damage, primarily involving hypothermia in goats and cattle drowning, amounted to PHP224,500.
The partial damage to infrastructure has reached PHP176.5 million, affecting asphalt pavements, bridge slabs, and road pavements. Additionally, 4,220 homes were completely destroyed while 12,233 houses were partially damaged. The typhoon has impacted 200,914 families, totaling 670,422 individuals across 830 barangays in 41 municipalities and four cities in the province.
Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with 13 municipalities and one city still experiencing interruptions. Currently, 4,052 families, comprising 12,359 individuals, remain in evacuation centers across 19 municipalities and two cities. The provincial and local government units, supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, are providing assistance such as food packs and sleeping kits.
During Uwan's onslaught, coastal towns like Agno, San Fabian, Binmaley, and Lingayen faced storm surges, though water levels have receded in most areas. Notably, there have been no casualties reported, thanks to proactive measures taken by the provincial government. Preemptive and forced evacuations were implemented to ensure the safety of residents in high-risk areas.
Governor Ramon Guico III emphasized the importance of readiness and evacuation in saving lives, stating, "There is nothing more important than the lives and safety of the people." The provincial government declared a state of calamity, adopting Presidential Declaration 1077 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to address the aftermath of the typhoon. Clearing operations are underway to facilitate the delivery of relief and services to those affected.
