The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a stern directive to all local government units (LGUs) to complete the mandatory evacuation of residents in high-risk communities by Sunday. This critical order is being enforced ahead of the expected landfall of Severe Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, which is locally named “Uwan” upon its anticipated entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The DILG stressed that LGU officials must prioritize the safety of their constituents and should not wait for weather conditions to deteriorate before enforcing evacuation protocols. The primary targets for preemptive evacuation include communities that are historically prone to severe flooding, destructive landslides, and storm surges, particularly those along the projected track of the rapidly intensifying weather disturbance.
“Early evacuation saves lives. We’re asking all local chief executives to complete preemptive or mandatory evacuations no later than Sunday,” the DILG stated in an official release on Friday. This deadline aims to ensure that vulnerable residents are moved to secure shelters before the worst of the weather conditions begin to affect Eastern Luzon, which is expected by Sunday.
According to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Severe Tropical Storm Fung-Wong was tracked approximately 1,690 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao. The storm is projected to enter PAR by late Friday or early Saturday and is forecasted to strengthen into a typhoon by Friday night. Crucially, the storm is predicted to intensify further, possibly reaching Super Typhoon status by Saturday.
PAGASA also warned that the weather disturbance is on a path that suggests a possible landfall in Northern or Central Luzon by Monday. The DILG’s proactive measures reflect the high degree of risk associated with a Super Typhoon, which could bring strong winds, torrential rainfall, and dangerous coastal conditions, including the likelihood of storm surges and coastal flooding.
In addition to directing evacuations, the DILG has instructed local governments to ensure the readiness of all designated evacuation centers. This involves verifying that the shelters have sufficient essential supplies, reliable power sources, and adequate personnel to properly manage and attend to the needs of the evacuees throughout the duration of the emergency. They also mandated continuous coordination with regional disaster councils and clear public information campaigns.