As early as 4:00 a.m. today (Oct 19), Juan was last seen 210 km West Southwest of Laoag City heading Northwest at 22 kph. Its maximum wind reached to 160 kph near the center while gustiness up to 195 kph.

Juan’s trail with 225 kph and gusts of 260 kph yesterday’s morning landfall at Sierra Madre’s Estagno Point in Isabela left 1589 families with 7458 individuals evacuated. These numbers comprises 172 individuals of La Union, and 240 of Pangasinan of Region I. While in Region II, 3,385 of Cagayan, and 943 of Isabela. Aurora of Central Luzon had 2,016 individuals evacuated. In Cordillera Autonomous Region, Benguet had 444 individuals, Kalinga 44, and Mountain Province with 214.

Aside from these numbers, 3 persons died, and 9 injured were recorded.

Several roads and bridges in Regions I, II, CAR were closed due to landslides, fallen trees and electric posts, and swelling rivers affecting 1,939 land and water transportation passengers.

Power transmissions of 17 electric cooperatives covering Regions I, II, and CAR were interrupted. 210 municipalities and cities were affected.

According to officials of PAGASA, Juan is the world’s strongest typhoon to hit this year. It may also be stronger than typhoon “Reming” that hit the Philippines last 2006 in the Bicol region.

Sources: NDRRMC, PhiStar, PDI