Heeding the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged all local government units (LGUs) to intensify their preparations for the incoming tropical storm ‘Fung-wong,’ which will be named ‘Uwan, once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility later this week.
The DILG released the order even as several communities, particularly in the Visayas regions, are still reeling from the impact of Typhoon Tino. The recent storm killed over 140 and left serious damages, prompting President Marcos to declare a national state of calamity.
“We cannot be caught off guard. LGUs must take all precautionary steps now—activate disaster councils, prepare evacuation sites, and warn at-risk communities,” the DILG said.
Forecasters warned that ‘Fung-wong’ may strengthen into a super typhoon with the possibility of tropical cyclone wind signal no. 5 being raised that could cause life-threatening stormy conditions to parts of Northern and Central Luzon.
The approaching tropical storm slightly intensified while moving northwestward near Yap, Micronesia as of 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
‘Fung-wong’ was last monitored at 1,690 kilometers East of Northeastern Mindanao. It had maximum sustained winds of 75 km near the center and gustiness of up to 90 km per hour. “Deterioration of weather condition may begin on Sunday (09 November),” PAGASA noted.
The DILG called on LGUs to clear waterways and drainage systems, inspect roads and bridges, and ensure evacuation centers are ready with adequate supplies. Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) are also urged to plan for preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas.
Emergency response teams and rescue units must be placed on standby alert, with rescue equipment and relief goods prepositioned for rapid deployment once the storm hits.
“Preparedness saves lives. We call on all LGUs to act now to prevent casualties,” the DILG emphasized.
