LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The local government of Viga in Catanduanes province has appealed for urgent assistance following severe devastation from super typhoon “Uwan” on Sunday, Nov 9.

Mayor Jennifer Marasigan Tuplano said that potable water and medicines are now among the most immediate needs of residents, following the collapse of the town’s water supply system and widespread displacement of families.

“Sa ngayon po talaga ang pinaka-kailangan namin ay tubig - potable water - tapos kung maari makapagpadala ng maraming gamot sa amin kasi maraming bata ang na-displaced. Mga nilalagnat. Tapos po ‘yung mga senior citizens na meron pong mga maintenance dahil highblood. Yun po kasi totally wasak ang mga bahay ang kulang na din po ang pondo ng LGU para makabili ng mga gamot at saka mga pagkain,” Tuplano said.

(We appeal for potable water and medicines. Many children have fever. Senior citizens need maintenance medicines. Houses are totally damaged. We lack funds to purchase medicines and food)

The northeastern part of Catanduanes, where Viga is located, bore the brunt of Uwan’s powerful winds and torrential rains.

Tuplano described her experience from Uwan as “the worst in living memory” with all 31 barangays in the municipality affected.

“Akala naming tapos na, ‘yun pala pagdating ng 10:30 (p.m.), ‘yung sinasabi samin na ‘balos,’ ‘yung parang balik. ‘Yung pag-ikot ng mata niya dun na nagsimulang tumaas ang tubig. Maraming nawasak na bahay, pero as of today, wala akong maibibigay na actual report dahil ongoing ang clearing kaya wala pang maireport ang aming mga barangay kapitan,” she said.

(We thought it was over. By 10:30 (p.m.), Uwan came back, waters rose. Many houses were destroyed. I cannot yet give an actual report as clearing operations are ongoing)

Viga is composed of 10 coastal barangays, nine interior barangays, six in the poblacion or municipal center, and five in the rinconada (corner) area.

Tuplano said coastal communities suffered the most as storm surges flooded homes and cut off access to many areas.

Communication lines, electricity, and the town’s water system remain down, forcing the local government to rely on limited internet access through Starlink to send reports to national agencies.

“Meron po tayong Starlink na ginagamit sa munisipyo para magbato ng report sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan,” she said.

(We use Starlink to communicate with national government agencies)

Clearing operations are underway in the municipality, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) deploying heavy equipment to help reopen major roads blocked by debris and fallen trees.

“Sa mga oras na ngayon lahat ng mga teams natin nakadeploy na for clearing. Nagsimula kami ng ala sais ng umaga. ‘Yung mga equipment galing from Department of Public Works and Highways na dineploy nila agad bago mag-bagyo,” the mayor added.

(All personnel are deployed for clearing. We started 6 a.m. DPWH equipment deployed before the storm hit are being used)

Tuplano appealed to government agencies, private organizations, and concerned citizens to extend aid –drinking water, medicines, and food supplies – to Viga, who are struggling to rebuild after one of the most powerful storms to ever hit their municipality.