The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a high alert for “life-threatening storm surge” across at least 26 areas, including the National Capital Region (NCR), as Typhoon Uwan roars toward Luzon.
PAGASA’s advisory warns that storm surge heights exceeding three meters are forecast within the next 48 hours in the coastal communities of Albay, Aurora, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Isabela, La Union, Pangasinan, Quezon, and Sorsogon.
Storm surge heights between 2.1 to three meters are also expected in parts of La Union, Pangasinan, and Northern Samar.
Tidal surges ranging from one to two meters are also forecast for Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cagayan, Batanes, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Metro Manila, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Zambales, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao Del Norte.
The weather bureau stressed that low-lying coastal communities in these areas face the possibility of inundation from rising sea water combined with high waves. Residents are strongly advised to take immediate precautionary measures and move to higher ground.
Government agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Office of Civil Defense, and Philippine National Police, have been placed on high alert to prepare for the typhoon’s expected onslaught