Super Typhoon Leon devastates Batanes after Typhoon Julian

Super Typhoon Leon battered Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h and gusts of up to 240 km/h, causing "violent conditions" and significant damage to the province.

Signal No. 5 was raised over Itbayat and Basco, while the rest of Batanes was under Signal No. 4 during the typhoon's passage.

The province is still recovering from Typhoon Julian, which hit on September 30 and caused an estimated P600 million in damage and destroyed almost 1,500 homes.

A state of calamity was declared in Batanes following the devastation from Typhoon Julian, compounding the recovery challenges from Leon.

Leon, the 12th typhoon to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year, also caused storm surges in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Roads in Basco became impassable due to fallen trees and debris, requiring local authorities to clear them.

The Santa Maria De Mayan Church, a historical landmark, sustained damage from the typhoon.

The DSWD has 2,000 family food packs available in Batanes and plans to deliver 5,000 more once weather permits.