From Rappler

By Noriko Yamamoto

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Sunday, November 9, that Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) continues to move over the Bicol region under life-threatening conditions.

The eye of the super typhoon was observed to be located over the coastal waters of Pandan, Catanduanes, at 14.3°N and 124.4°E.

It carries maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts reaching up to 230 kph and a central pressure of 935 hectopascals. 

Typhoon warning signals

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 5 was raised in several regions of Luzon — including the central portion of Aurora, the Polillo Islands, the northern portion of Camarines Norte, the eastern portion of Camarines Sur, and the entire province of Catanduanes. 

Signal No. 4 was also raised in other parts of Luzon — including the southern region of Isabela, Quirino, the eastern region of Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, the easternmost region of Pampanga, the northern and eastern regions of Bulacan, the northern and eastern regions of Quezon, the rest of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, and northeastern Albay.

Other parts of Luzon were placed under Signal No. 3, covering southern mainland Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, the rest of Nueva Vizcaya, southern Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, the rest of Pampanga, the rest of Bulacan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, the rest of Quezon, Marinduque, the rest of Albay, Sorsogon, and the Ticao and Burias Islands; meanwhile, Northern Samar in the Visayas was also placed under Signal No.3.

Furthermore, Signal No. 2 was raised over the rest of Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands, the rest of Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Occidental Mindoro and the Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, and the rest of Masbate in Luzon; Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, and the northern and central regions of Leyte in the Visayas.

Signal No. 1 was also raised over Luzon — including Batanes, the Calamian Islands, and the Cuyo Islands; in the Visayas, it was raised over the rest of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, the northern and central regions of Cebu, Bantayan and Camotes Islands, the northern and central regions of Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique; and in Mindanao, it was raised over the Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, the northern region of Agusan del Norte, and the northern region of Surigao del Sur.

Uwan’s projected movement

Over the next 24 hours, Uwan is forecast to move west-northwestward, passing over the coastal waters of Catanduanes and near Calaguas and Polillo Islands this morning and afternoon.

The typhoon is predicted to make landfall at or near peak intensity over the central region of Aurora tonight or early tomorrow morning, with a possible direct hit on Calaguas and Polillo Islands.

After landfall, Uwan will cross the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon, significantly weakening but remaining a typhoon as it moves toward Lingayen Gulf or the coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union by the next morning.

From tomorrow until Tuesday, the typhoon will turn northwest-north while maintaining its strength, then shift northeast toward the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, November 12, gradually weakening.

According to the state weather bureau, Uwan is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday morning but may re-enter on Thursday as it heads toward Taiwan.

With these, authorities advise the public to stay indoors, inspect their homes, prepare emergency kits, monitor official hourly updates, and follow evacuation procedures.

Evacuation centers ready

50 modular tents have been set up at Barangay Moonwalk’s sports center in Paranaque City as an early evacuation site, capable of accommodating 1500 people.

The provincial government of La Union has also prepared evacuation centers and relief supplies for thousands of families in the area.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1, 46,116 family food packs and 5,343 non-food items were stockpiled across the province as of November 8, ready for immediate distribution to affected families.

Class and work suspensions

Meanwhile, in a memorandum circular issued by the Office of the President on Sunday, November 9, government work will be suspended on Monday, November 10, in several regions due to the forecasted major impacts of Super Typhoon Uwan.

The suspension applies to the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region I (Ilocos), Region II (Cagayan Valley), Region III (Central Luzon), Region IV-A (Calabarzon), Region IV-B (Mimaropa), Region V (Bicol), and Region VIII (Eastern Visayas).

Classes at all levels will also be suspended on Monday and Tuesday, November 10 to 11 in NCR, CAR, Regions I to VIII, and the Negros Island Region.