Manila: A total of 61 transmission lines in Luzon and the Visayas have been rendered unavailable following the impact of Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong), as reported by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). The outage is attributed to the strong winds accompanying the typhoon, and the affected lines include vital connections essential for power distribution across the regions.
According to Philippines News Agency, the NGCP disclosed that, as of 6 a.m. Monday, the transmission lines in Luzon impacted by the typhoon are extensive. These include key lines such as the Pitogo-Mulanay 69kV Line under QUEZELCO I, the Naga-Lagonoy 69kV Line serving CASURECO II and CASURECO IV, and the Naga-Libmanan 69kV Line under CASURECO I. Additional lines affected in Luzon are the Naga-Tinambac 69kV Line, Tiwi C-Pawa 69kV Line, and the Daraga-Ligao 69kV Line, among many others. The typhoon’s impact has also been felt in the Visayas, with critical lines such as the Paranas-Quinapondan 69kV Line and Palanas Cara-Catarman-Allen-Lao-ang 69kV Line experiencing disruptions.
In addition to the detailed list of 69kV lines, the NGCP reported that other lines, including two 115kV, two 138kV, ten 230kV, two 350kV, and one 500kV lines, were also affected, though specific details on these were not disclosed. The NGCP has initiated mobilization of its line crews and is conducting patrols to assess and begin restoration efforts. Restoration activities are being carried out simultaneously in areas that are accessible, as part of the immediate response to the disruption.
Based on the 5 a.m. bulletin from the weather bureau, Typhoon Uwan was located over the coastal waters of Bacnotan, La Union, moving in a west-northwest direction at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near its center, with gustiness reaching up to 230 kilometers per hour, posing a significant challenge for restoration efforts and further stressing the critical need for urgent infrastructure recovery.
