The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ([translate: PAGASA]) has issued a serious warning about Super Typhoon Uwan, which threatens to cause catastrophic damage and potentially "redraw coastlines" upon landfall.
Uwan, previously known internationally as Typhoon Fung-Wong, is rapidly intensifying and may reach the highest classification of a super typhoon by Sunday evening or early Monday. The storm's massive reach spans from the northernmost province of Batanes down to Bohol in the Visayas, putting a large portion of the Philippines at extreme risk.
PAGASA's recent bulletin reports maximum sustained winds near 120 km/h, with gusts up to 150 km/h. The agency highlights the highest Wind Signal warnings in effect.
[translate: "The statement 'redraw coastlines' stems from the agency's warning of storm surges up to and exceeding 3 metres in low-lying coastal areas of eastern Luzon, including regions such as Quezon (Polillo Islands), Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon."]
An article from International Business Times UK notes that a storm surge of this magnitude, paired with powerful winds and heavy rains, can drastically reshape beachfronts, flood entire communities, erode shorelines, and alter geographic features.
This typhoon represents a significant threat to millions living along these vulnerable coastal areas.
Author's Summary: Super Typhoon Uwan poses an extreme threat to the Philippines, with potential to physically reshape coastlines and devastate low-lying coastal communities through powerful winds, heavy rains, and massive storm surges.