Typhoon Uwan has displaced and affected thousands of families in Butuan City and several towns in Agusan del Norte due to flooding caused by heavy rains and strong winds.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga, a total of 1,057 families or 3,763 individuals have been affected in the towns of Buenavista, Cabadbaran, Carmen, Magallanes, Nasipit, RTR, and Tubay.
According to OCD Caraga, the flooding occurred on November 8, while Uwan was still under typhoon category. Although Butuan City and Agusan del Norte were not placed under any storm signal, the typhoon brought torrential rain that caused rivers and creeks to overflow, resulting in floods.
Preemptive evacuations were carried out for 1,787 families or 6,357 persons to protect residents from rising floodwaters. Local authorities opened 13 evacuation centers, which currently house 1,004 families (3,480 individuals), while 26 families (162 individuals) stayed outside the centers.
OCD Caraga noted that overflowing creeks and swollen rivers prompted the immediate evacuations to ensure safety. Relief assistance has also been provided to affected families and individuals.
As of Sunday, November 9, a total of 13 evacuation centers are still open as the water level in some of the affected barangay have not yet totally subsided.
In Butuan City alone, thousands of residents have been displaced, according to the latest situational report released by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) based on the 10:00 a.m. advisory on Sunday, November 9.
The CDRRMD reported that a total of 3,589 families, or 13,117 individuals, have fled their homes. Of these, 3,471 families (12,603 individuals) are currently staying in evacuation centers, while 118 families (514 individuals) are sheltering outside designated sites.
The total affected population in the city has reached 44,317 people. Authorities also reported 21 damaged houses and distributed 65 modular tents to assist displaced residents. Agricultural losses have been estimated at P4,546,973.47, with damage reported across multiple farming areas.
‘Residents are advised to remain alert and follow official advisories as recovery efforts are underway,’ said the Butuan City Public Information Office.