‘Uwan’ to affect Metro Manila, Visayas, PAGASA warns

Courtesy: PAGASA

The state weather bureau yesterday warned that a potential super typhoon headed in the direction of Northern Luzon may also affect Metro Manila and even the Visayas.

Chris Perez, Assistant Weather Services Chief at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), noted the sheer scale of the incoming storm.

“In our estimation, the extent of this typhoon ‘Uwan’ extends around more than 500 kilometers from its center. So, even if its center hits northern Luzon, we can still expect it to have an impact on the weather of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, even Metro Manila, and several parts of the Visayas this coming weekend,” he said.

“We are not ruling out the possibility that it could become a super typhoon before making landfall here in the Isabela-Aurora area,” Perez said.

Still known by its international name, “Fung-wong,” the approaching storm will take on its local name when it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Friday night and Saturday morning.

“Currently, our initial estimate is that it could potentially bring over 200 millimeters of rain, especially in areas that are possibly in the direct path of its center,” Perez said, emphasizing that flooding and landslides in Luzon are anticipated.

In an advisory, PAGASA stated that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 may be hoisted over several areas that will be affected by “Uwan.”

“Wind signals may be hoisted over the eastern portion of Luzon and portions of Samar Provinces as early as tomorrow evening or Saturday morning in anticipation of strong winds or higher associated with the upcoming TC,” it said.

Likewise, the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) also issued a weather advisory, noting that “Uwan’s maximum sustained winds could reach 212 km/h, with gusts of up to 259 km/h.”

“A (landfall) strike intensity around 100kt (around 185 kph) is entirely feasible at this point,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense assured that it continues to monitor “Uwan” once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, as it is expected to make landfall in Northern Luzon.

In an interview, OCD Deputy Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said in Filipino, “It [the typhoon] is expected to hit the Aurora-Tuguegarao, Cagayan, but we are monitoring its rainband because it will bring rain to the entire Luzon.”

He emphasized that tight monitoring of the storm’s movements is necessary due to the danger of floods in Southern and Northern Luzon.

“We are already issuing warnings… preparatory instructions have been issued to local government units [LGUs] in areas that [the typhoon] will hit in Northern, Central Luzon down to Bicol,” the OCD official said.

For its part, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged all local LGUs to brace for a potentially devastating super typhoon.

“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.

The Department 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.

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

— Rio N. Araja, Katrina Manubay, Vince Lopez & Rex Espiritu