Local government units in Western Visayas are directed to preemptively evacuate residents living in high-risk barangays and coastal zones in anticipation of the projected impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Fung-wong.
The weather disturbance, to be named Uwan when it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday, Nov. 8, may reach the super typhoon category and bring widespread heavy to torrential rains and strong winds across large portions of the country, based on advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical 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,” Office of Civil Defense Western Visayas Regional Director Raul Fernandez said in Memorandum Order No. 89, which he issued on Friday, Nov. 7.
The concurrent chair of the Western Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) also instructed all local DRRMCs to activate their Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and ensure close coordination with the regional DRRMC Operations Center.
They were also ordered to ensure the readiness of evacuation centers and stockpile adequate food, water, medicine, and health supplies.
Additionally, local DRRMCs should disseminate timely warnings to communities, especially vulnerable groups.
Fernandez said the directive aims to minimize casualties and damage that may result from the effects of the super typhoon.
“OCD-6 calls on the public to remain alert, monitor official government advisories, and cooperate with local authorities.”PNA
