PAGASA Sounds Alarm on Super Typhoon Uwan
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns that Super Typhoon Uwan could cause catastrophic damage and significantly alter coastal landscapes.
Storm Overview and Impact
Known externally as Typhoon Fung‑Wong, Uwan is rapidly intensifying and is expected to reach super-typhoon status by Sunday evening or early Monday. The storm's extensive reach covers the Philippines from Batanes in the north to Bohol in the Visayas, putting a large portion of the country at risk.
Wind Speeds and Storm Surge Risks
- Maximum sustained winds are around 120 km/h, with gusts up to 150 km/h.
- PAGASA issued the highest Wind Signal for affected areas.
- Storm surges could exceed 3 meters in low-lying coastal regions of eastern Luzon, including Quezon (Polillo Islands), Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon.
Potential Coastal Changes
The phrase 'redraw coastlines' highlights PAGASA’s warning about the possibility of storm surges reshaping beaches, flooding villages, eroding shorelines, and altering coastal topographies.
According to an International Business Times UK report, the combination of intense wind, heavy rainfall, and massive storm surges could dramatically transform affected beachfront areas.
Summary
Super Typhoon Uwan poses a severe threat to the Philippines, with the potential to bring devastating winds, flooding, and coastal changes that may reshape entire regions.