by: Charles Nikko Limon
A father and his son were killed in Mountain Province after a series of landslides triggered by Super Typhoon Uwan buried parts of several towns and roads across the province.
The capital town of Bontoc was heavily affected, with major roads covered in mud and debris.
In Barangay Samoki, residents joined forces in clearing operations after some homes were buried under rocks and soil.
Others, however, were completely washed away by floodwaters.
The Mountain Province–Nueva Vizcaya Road and Bontoc–Guina-ang Mainit Road were closed to traffic due to landslides, while the Barlig–Natonin Road section also remained impassable.
Strong winds tore off roofs of schools in Sagada, Bauko, and Bontoc.
In Sadanga, vehicles were swept away by rushing floodwaters in Barangay Betwagan.
Despite the risk, police and volunteers braved blocked roads to rescue a senior citizen and bring him to safety.
According to Atty. Edward Chumawar Jr., Chief of the Mountain Province PDRRMO, clearing operations have resumed. “We’re continuing the clearing now. It was suspended last night for safety reasons, but DPWH and the provincial engineering office have been redeployed,” he said.
Power lines were damaged across several towns, leaving large areas without electricity.
The Mountain Province Electric Cooperative has started repair works.
Initial reports from the provincial disaster office show that around 600 families, or more than 1,800 individuals, were evacuated, while over 100 houses were damaged.
Assessment of the full extent of the typhoon’s impact is still underway.
