By Brian Campued
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged concerned local government units (LGUs) to complete preemptive evacuations of residents in communities that are highly vulnerable to the impact of a potential super typhoon.
“We are calling on all local chief executives to complete the evacuation of residents in high-risk areas no later than Sunday (Nov. 9),” the DILG said in a statement.
It likewise stressed that LGUs should not wait for conditions to worsen before acting, noting that “early evacuation saves lives.”
Aside from planning out worst-case scenarios ahead of the tropical cyclone, LGUs were also reminded to ensure sufficient supplies and power sources in evacuation centers, proper management of evacuees, and continuous coordination with Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.
LGUs were also ordered to mobilize equipment and personnel for road clearing and ensure unimpeded access for emergency and relief operations.
LGUs are also instructed to prohibit mariners from sailing due to potentially dangerous sea conditions and suspend any tourism or outdoor activities in at-risk areas.
“Real-time public information campaigns are essential, particularly in communities vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and storm surges,” the DILG emphasized.
“We cannot be complacent. The next 48 hours are crucial for preparedness. We urge everyone to stay informed, follow local advisories, and cooperate with authorities,” it added.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Severe Tropical Storm Fung-Wong (to be given the local name “Uwan”) is forecast to rapidly intensify into a typhoon by the time it enters the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) either late Friday evening or early Saturday morning, Nov. 8.
Uwan will intensify further into super typhoon strength by Saturday evening or Sunday morning, and may make landfall at or near its peak lifetime intensity over northern or Central Luzon by Monday (Nov. 10).
PAGASA warns that stormy weather may begin to be felt over eastern Luzon starting Sunday.
On Thursday, upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a “State of National Calamity” following the destruction caused by Typhoon Tino and in anticipation of Super Typhoon Uwan.
Other gov’t disaster preparations
Upon raising the “Code Blue” alert in the country due to the effects of Tino, the Department of Health (DOH) has also mobilized over P10 million worth of health commodities, such as medicines, hygiene kits, and clean drinking water, in various regions in Luzon in preparation for Uwan’s onslaught.
According to the DOH, its Health Emergency Response Teams and hospitals are also on standby for immediate deployment to affected areas.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), meanwhile, is closely coordinating with its field offices and LGUs to make sure that prepositioned relief goods are ready to be distributed once needed.
DSWD spokesperson Asec. Irene Dumlao said that over 2 million family food packs (FFPs) are in place in strategic locations nationwide—with priority areas identified for rapid deployment, including Aurora, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.
“Dahil nga nakikita natin isa ang Aurora sa maaaring maapektuhan, kung hindi magbago yung long-range forecast, mayroon po tayong mga 40,000 FFPs naka-preposition. Sa Region 3, mahigit 200,000 FFPs,” Dumlao said.
“Mayroon din tayo, of course, in Region 2 and Region 1. Handa po ang DSWD na tumugon sa pangangailangan ng mga kababayan natin na maaapektuhan nitong paparating na bagyo,” she added.
-jpv
