Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged all local government units (LGUs) to brace for Tropical Storm Fung-wong, which is forecast to turn into super typhoon Uwan, as it approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DILG called on LGUs to clear waterways and drainage systems, inspect roads and bridges, and ensure evacuation centers are ready with adequate supplies. Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) are also urged to plan for preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas.

‘We cannot be caught off guard. LGUs must take all precautionary steps now- activate disaster councils, prepare evacuation sites, and warn at-risk communities,’ the DILG said in a statement, as parts of the country are still reeling from Typhoon Tino.

This directive reinforces President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for proactive local governance and stronger disaster preparedness to safeguard lives and communities from the increasing threat of severe tropical cyclones.

Emergency response teams and rescue units must be placed on standby alert, with rescue equipment and relief goods prepositioned for rapid deployment once the storm hits.

‘Preparedness saves lives. We call on all LGUs to act now to prevent casualties,” the DILG said.

Based on the latest advisory, the weather disturbance, currently a tropical storm, may strengthen into a super typhoon and could make landfall this weekend, bringing Wind Signal No. 5, that could cause life-threatening stormy conditions to parts of Northern and Central Luzon.