Landslides, floods isolate towns as rescue efforts intensify in Luzon

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Rescue teams across Central and Northern Luzon raced on Monday to clear landslides and flood debris that left thousands stranded after Typhoon “Uwan” submerged entire towns, washed out roads, and forced mass evacuations.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported at least 71 roads impassable, with the heaviest damage concentrated in Aurora, Ilocos Norte, and Pangasinan, where floodwaters in some barangays rose to rooftop level.

Aurora: Ground zero
In Aurora — the storm’s worst-hit province — landslides cut off access to coastal municipalities such as Dinalungan and Dilasag, delaying relief convoys and trapping residents. The Police Regional Office 3’s Reactionary Standby Support Force and OCD crews deployed heavy equipment to clear mud and boulders along the Baler–Casiguran Road, considered a lifeline route for rescue teams.

The urgency of reopening access was highlighted by a rescue operation in Baler on Sunday, when PRO3 personnel assisted a resident who fell from his roof while securing his home.

“Ang mahalaga ngayon ay ang debris clearing para ma-access ang mga serbisyo,” OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said in a live update.

At least 1,585 families (5,284 individuals) evacuated across Aurora, Bataan, and Nueva Ecija, according to regional disaster officials. Shelters in Baler and Maria Aurora reached full capacity by Monday morning.

Communication lines remain down in several Aurora barangays — including Dinalungan and Dilasag — complicating coordination.

“Bukod sa daan, ang komunikasyon ang pinakamalaking hamon,” Castillo noted.

Road safety advisory
Authorities continue to restore access to remote areas and advised motorists to avoid landslide-prone segments of the Baler–Casiguran Road until clearing operations are completed.

Updates on road reopening and relief deployment are expected later Monday.