Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that all relevant government agencies are on full alert as Typhoon Uwan, known internationally as Fung-wong, intensifies and moves closer to Northern Luzon. He urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, emphasizing the need for preparedness to mitigate the potential effects of the typhoon.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted the continuous monitoring of Typhoon Uwan’s intensification and its approach towards Northern Luzon. He assured the public that government agencies are fully mobilized to ensure citizen safety and emphasized the importance of following safety advisories from local government units (LGUs).
The President advised residents to evacuate from hazardous areas promptly and prepare essential supplies while keeping abreast of official announcements. He stressed that unity is crucial for safety and that there is no room for complacency as “every second counts.”
To aid evacuation efforts, the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have deployed buses and trucks. Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard have stationed rescue vehicles, lifeboats, and relief goods in potentially affected areas.
Marcos also announced the suspension of toll fees for emergency convoys and responders and the designation of special lanes to expedite access to high-risk zones. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local governments are actively clearing waterways and roads, while some malls and buildings have opened parking areas for residents in flood-prone regions.
Typhoon Uwan, positioned 680 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, or 760 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, is moving westward at 35 kilometers per hour. It carries maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 170 kilometers per hour. The weather bureau forecasts that Uwan may rapidly intensify to a super typhoon category by Saturday night or Sunday, with the possibility of even faster intensification due to favorable conditions.
