Nearly three million households were left in the dark after Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) battered large parts of Luzon and the Visayas, knocking down power lines and poles across 12 regions.
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported on Monday that at least 20 electric cooperatives suffered total power interruptions as Uwan swept through the Bicol Region, and the provinces of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Northern Samar, and Samar.
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said around 2,931,220 member-consumer-owners are still without electricity, with restoration efforts hampered by flooding and damaged facilities. He said some cooperatives had cut off power preemptively to “prevent greater damage” from the typhoon’s strong winds.
Almeda appealed for “patience and understanding” as crews continue safety inspections and line assessments.
He said checks are being done thoroughly, especially in areas where electric meters were submerged in floodwaters, to “ensure no accidents” occur once power is restored.
NEA added that line workers are facing difficult conditions—blocked roads, debris, and standing water—as they race to bring electricity back. Restoration will prioritize hospitals, water systems, and key communication facilities.
Uwan’s impact once again exposed the vulnerability of the country’s power grid, much of which remains above ground and highly susceptible to damage during major storms.
Despite the challenges, Almeda said crews are working “around the clock” to safely restore power to affected communities.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.