Local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have been ordered to conduct preemptive evacuations in high-risk and coastal areas ahead of the expected landfall of Severe Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, which will be named Uwan once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday.
The storm may intensify into a super typhoon and bring heavy to torrential rains and strong winds across large parts of the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
“The typhoon is described as very large, with a diameter extending from Batanes to Bohol, which may result in significant effects even in areas far from the center,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Western Visayas Regional Director Raul Fernandez in Memorandum Order No. 89 issued Friday.
Fernandez, who also chairs the Western Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), instructed all local DRRMCs to activate their Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and coordinate closely with the regional operations center.
LGUs were also told to prepare evacuation centers, ensure sufficient stocks of food, water, and medical supplies, and disseminate timely warnings to vulnerable communities.
Fernandez said the directive aims to prevent casualties and minimize damage once the super typhoon hits.
“OCD-6 calls on the public to remain alert, monitor official government advisories, and cooperate with local authorities,” he added.