AURORA PROVINCE, Philippines — Communities along the northeastern coast of Luzon are struggling to regain footing after Super Typhoon Fung-wong — locally known as Uwan — carved a destructive path through Aurora province, unleashing powerful winds, storm surges and landslides that left widespread damage in its wake.

Homes Destroyed and Infrastructure Severely Hit

The storm made landfall on November 9 with sustained winds of about 185 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 230 kph. Coastal towns including Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dingalan and Dilasag suffered some of the worst destruction, with storm surges breaching seawalls and flooding low-lying communities.

Roads were blocked by fallen trees and landslides, power lines were brought down across multiple municipalities, and communications were severely disrupted. Hundreds of homes were either partially damaged or completely destroyed, forcing families to seek shelter in evacuation centers.

Nationwide, more than 1.4 million people were displaced or evacuated as the storm swept across Luzon, with Aurora among the hardest-hit.

Photo: Malacanang Presidential Communications Office

Government Mobilizes Cash Aid and Relief Supplies

In the aftermath, national and local authorities declared a state of calamity and activated emergency relief operations. The Department of Social Welfare and Development began distributing cash assistance through its Emergency Cash Transfer program — 5,000 Pesos for households with partially damaged homes and 10,000 Pesos for those whose houses were destroyed.

Officials emphasized that the payouts represent initial support and may be augmented as needs become clearer. Municipal social welfare offices are conducting assessments to verify damage and determine eligibility.

Relief distribution has accelerated, with tens of thousands of Family Food Packs, hot meals, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and kitchen sets sent to evacuation centers across the province. In Dipaculao alone, 500 families received meals and basic supplies.

International Agencies Provide Support

UNICEF and other humanitarian partners have coordinated with local authorities, supplying safe drinking water, sanitation support and educational materials for children. Aid groups estimate that about 75,000 people in the region have received some form of assistance so far.

Recovery Will Be Long and Uneven

Governor Isidro P. Galban and local officials are working with national agencies to repair critical infrastructure and restore essential services. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered relief operations expedited to ensure “no Filipino goes hungry” during the immediate recovery period.

But with widespread destruction and vulnerable coastal geography, Aurora’s longer-term rebuilding — including restoration of roads, electricity and protective seawalls — is expected to take months. (zai)