A powerful storm surge brought by Super Typhoon #UwanPH damaged hundreds of homes, some wiped out, along the coast of La Union, leaving families displaced and entire communities devastated.

The Caridad family, who had lived in Sitio Tawi-Tawi in Barangay Poro, San Fernando City for nearly two decades, lost their entire home to the raging waters.

“Biglang lumaki ang tubig, hindi namin inaasahan,” Antonio Caridad, the homeowner, said.

Barangay Poro Chairwoman Ellen Andrade said the damage was extensive. She added that most houses in the coastal area were destroyed.

“Devastated talaga kami dito kasi andaming nasirang mga bahay,” she said.

Even portions of the village road were damaged, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to respond.

A tugboat was also swept ashore by the storm surge, while several fishing boats in the nearby towns of Santo Tomas and Agoo were destroyed by strong waves.

“Malaking problema kasi nasira ang bangka namin, wala kaming kabuhayan,” Mayang Trisinio, a resident and local fisher, said.

In Agoo, another resident, Angelina Nava, said their home was filled with sand and seawater.

“Sa sobrang taas ng tubig, pinasok na bahay namin,” she said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that about 1,000 houses were damaged, forcing over 20,000 individuals to evacuate to temporary shelters. Large parts of the province remained without electricity.

Authorities also confirmed two people injured, while one case is still being verified. Among the victims was senior citizen Rogelio Samonte, who was electrocuted while trying to tie his roof during the storm.

“Itatali ko lang sana, kaya lang nakuryente na ako,” he said.

La Union Governor Mario Ortega said the province has yet to fully recover from the impact of #EmongPH in July 2025, but assured residents that aid distribution and rehabilitation efforts will continue.