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MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Uwan is expected to unleash intense to torrential rains, powerful winds and widespread coastal flooding nationwide as it moves closer to the Philippine landmass, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned yesterday.
As of 4 p.m. Friday, Uwan was estimated 1,175 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 135 kph.
Moving west at 25 kph, it is projected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Friday night or early Saturday.
Signal No. 1 was hoisted over large portions of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, including the southeastern part of Quezon, eastern Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, northern and central Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, northeastern Bohol, northern Negros Occidental, northeastern Capiz, northeastern Iloilo, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte.
These areas may experience winds of 39 to 61 kph within 36 hours, posing minor threats to life and property.
PAGASA said Uwan could intensify into a typhoon within 24 hours and potentially reach super typhoon strength by Saturday evening or Sunday morning, before making landfall.
It is forecast to hit the southern portion of Isabela or northern Aurora late Sunday or early Monday, cross Northern Luzon’s mountainous terrain and exit toward the West Philippine Sea later that day.
“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” PAGASA said.
The weather bureau warned of very rough seas up to five meters along the eastern seaboards of Luzon, the Visayas and Caraga, making sea travel extremely risky, especially for small vessels. It also warned of possible storm surges and coastal flooding along the eastern and northern coasts of Luzon, with specific advisories to follow within 24 hours.
Full alert
As the country braces for Uwan’s impact, national and local government agencies have placed all of its units on full alert yesterday.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government ordered all local government units to conduct preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas no later than Sunday.
It also directed LGUs to ensure evacuation centers are stocked with sufficient food, power and supplies and to enforce a no-sailing policy and suspend outdoor and tourism activities in areas along the typhoon’s path.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepositioned more than two million family food packs in warehouses nationwide for rapid deployment once Uwan makes landfall.
“We have enough resources in terms of standby funds and stockpiles, and we are in the process of requesting for additional funds from the Department of Budget and Management to replenish our quick response funds to enable the department to sustain our ongoing disaster response operations,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.
All Philippine National Police (PNP) units in Northern and Central Luzon are likewise on full alert to assist in evacuation and security efforts.
“We assure the public that the PNP will be on the ground to help local authorities facilitate the safe movement of residents to evacuation centers,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard placed all its districts on heightened alert, mobilizing 547 personnel, 18 vessels and nine land vehicles for rescue and evacuation operations, particularly in the Bicol region.
Response teams have been deployed to Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate, with more personnel reinforcing operations in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.
At airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines directed its managers, especially those within the typhoon’s projected path, to activate emergency preparedness and response plans to safeguard passengers, aircraft and facilities.
In Cagayan, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Ruelie Rapsing said incident management teams and barangay responders are on standby, with relief supplies prepositioned.
Preparations are also underway in landslide-prone areas such as Dinapigue and San Agustin in Isabela, Gov. Rodito Albano III reported.
The Department of Health, for its part, has raised a Code Blue Alert following President Marcos’ declaration of a state of national calamity in the wake of Tino and the looming threat of Typhoon Uwan.
Under the alert status, all DOH offices nationwide are placed on heightened readiness to respond to medical emergencies in affected regions.
Its operations center and health emergency management staff have also been activated to ensure faster coordination of emergency response efforts.
Three Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams, recognized by the World Health Organization, are on standby for deployment to areas needing medical aid.
The DOH said it will continue to monitor the health situation in disaster-hit communities and coordinate closely with LGUs and other agencies to deliver timely healthcare assistance.
Class suspensions
Due to the expected impact of Typhoon Uwan in Northern Luzon, classes in all public and private schools in Baguio City and Dagupan City will be suspended on Monday.
Baguio City’s public information office announced that classes in all levels are canceled to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
The city government also suspended the number coding scheme to ease movement during bad weather and advised residents to monitor official advisories and stay indoors.
In Dagupan City, acting Mayor Dean Bryan Kua signed Executive Order 79 ordering the suspension of classes in all levels on Monday to protect students and school personnel as Dagupan is a flood-prone area.
Officials in both cities urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and call emergency hotlines if needed.
Canceled flights
Aside from class suspensions, several flights have also been canceled due to Severe Tropical Storm Uwan.
Cebu Pacific announced yesterday disruptions from Nov. 8 to 10, affecting routes to and from Tacloban, Cauayan, Tuguegarao, Virac, Laoag, Naga, Masbate and Calbayog.
The airline said the cancellations were made to ensure passenger safety amid strong winds and heavy rains.
Affected travelers may choose free rebooking within 30 days, Travel Fund conversion or a full refund through its website.
Cebu Pacific advised passengers not to proceed to the airport unless their flights are confirmed to operate. — Rudy Santos, Rhodina Villanueva, Jose Rodel Clapano, Artemio Dumlao, Cesar Ramirez, Emmanuel Tupas, Bella Cariaso
