The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued urgent warnings to Cebuanos as Typhoon Uwan approaches the country, with forecasts indicating it could intensify into a Super Typhoon by this weekend.
Immediate Threats and Precautions
Janina Marte, weather specialist at Pagasa Visayas, emphasized that while Central Visayas may experience only light to moderate rainfall, residents must remain vigilant. Those living in vulnerable areas, particularly communities severely affected by the recent Typhoon Tino, should avoid rivers and flood-prone locations.
Marte reported that Cebu might experience light to moderate rain with possible localized thunderstorms. These conditions could still lead to isolated flooding, especially in low-lying areas, mountainous regions, and locations susceptible to landslides.
"We must remain alert to our surroundings and coordinate with our local disaster risk reduction and management offices," Marte advised during an interview.
Super Typhoon Development
Typhoon Uwan is expected to bring strong winds and affect nearly the entire Visayas region due to its wide diameter. The weather disturbance is forecast to rapidly intensify and potentially reach Super Typhoon category by Saturday night or Sunday, November 9.
According to Pagasa's 11 AM advisory, the typhoon's faster intensification remains possible due to favorable environmental conditions. Typhoon Uwan was located approximately 680 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, or 760 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar.
The typhoon is moving westward at 35 kilometers per hour, carrying maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness reaching up to 170 kilometers per hour.
Government Response and Preparedness
Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak has reminded all barangay officials to strictly follow disaster preparedness protocols, noting that the city remains under Signal No. 1 due to Typhoon Uwan.
Tumulak stated that since last night, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu City has been sending reminders to all barangay captains regarding safety measures.
Barangays are urged to observe and implement Operation Listo Protocols, including convening the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for pre-disaster risk assessment. Critical areas prone to flooding or landslides must be identified and monitored, with sufficient markers, visible hazard maps, evacuation center signs, and alert warnings established.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday that all government agencies are on full alert as Typhoon Uwan approaches and intensifies near Northern Luzon.
In a statement, Marcos urged the public to remain calm but alert and always prepared to minimize the typhoon's potential adverse effects. "We continue to monitor how Typhoon Uwan intensifies as it approaches Northern Luzon," he said. "All government agencies are on full alert and have taken immediate action to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens."
The President advised the public to heed safety advisories from local government units and continue monitoring weather updates. He also noted that the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have positioned buses and trucks to facilitate the evacuation of individuals potentially affected by the typhoon.
