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Aurora on Red Alert as Government Ramps Up Preparations for Super Typhoon Uwan

Aurora: The entire province of Aurora has been placed under red alert as local authorities intensify preparations ahead of the expected landfall of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong). The provincial government has prepositioned over PHP 1.9 million worth of Health Emergency Commodities across municipalities and hospitals to ensure readiness for potential health crises.

According to Philippines News Agency, Engr. Amado Elson A. Egargue, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO), submitted Aurora Province Situational Report No. 2 to Governor Isidro ‘Sid’ P. Galban, providing detailed updates on preparedness measures and potential impacts of the typhoon. “All municipalities are on heightened alert. Our local governments are conducting pre-emptive evacuations, prepositioning relief goods, and ensuring the safety of residents in low-lying and coastal areas,” said Engr. Egargue.

As early as November 7, Governor Galban issued PDRRMC Memorandum No. 2025-86, ordering the suspension of classes at all levels and work in all government offices on November 10 as a precautionary measure. The Aurora Coast Guard Station also issued a temporary suspension of all sea travel starting 11:30 a.m. on November 8 for all types of vessels within its area of responsibility.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Provincial Government of Aurora (PGA) have prepositioned Family Food Packs in the DICADI area (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan) to ensure quick relief distribution in emergencies. Other agencies on standby at the Aurora Emergency Operations Center (EOC) include the Bureau of Fire Protection; Armed Forces of the Philippines; Aurora Police Provincial Office; Philippine Coast Guard; Department of Health; Department of Public Works and Highways; Provincial Equipment Pool Office; Provincial Health Office; Office of the Provincial Agriculturist; 307th Community Defense Center, 3rd RCDG, RESCOM, Philippine Army; and the 91st Infantry ‘Sinagtala’ Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, ready to respond to any incident.

Municipal-level actions in areas such as Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora, Dilasag, Casiguran, and San Luis have resulted in heightened alert levels to blue or red, depending on risk assessment. Preparations include tree trimming and pruning along roads and public areas, declogging canals and waterways, securing boats and small sea vessels in safe areas, and pre-emptive evacuations of high-risk communities.

Egargue urged residents, especially in low-lying and coastal areas, to follow local government advisories. “Do not wait for heavy rains and strong winds before evacuating. Safety depends on preparedness and discipline. All sailing, swimming, and other water-related activities are strictly prohibited until the typhoon leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR),” he said.

Real-time monitoring of rivers, tributaries, and flood-prone areas is ongoing, with the DOST-PAGASA Storm Chasers Team conducting field surveys and post-validation in Baler to assess weather conditions. In parallel, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported that over PHP 1.9 million worth of Health Emergency Commodities have been prepositioned to strengthen the province’s response capacity for health-related emergencies.

Egargue assured that coordination with municipal DRRMs and national agencies is continuous. “Our goal is to prevent loss of life and ensure the safety of every Aurorano. Cooperate with authorities and follow advisories to stay safe,” he said.