Several local governments have declared “red alert” status as Northern and Central Luzon brace for the possible onslaught of Typhoon Uwan.
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) raised its red alert status, anticipating storm-force winds extending up to 720 kilometers and torrential rains from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday.
The alert triggers full-scale response measures, including round-the-clock operations at 71 flood-control pumping stations, real-time CCTV monitoring across 85 critical areas, and rapid deployment of rubber boats, wrecker cranes, payloaders, and buses for rescue and evacuation efforts.
“This is our highest state of readiness,” said Office of Civil Defense–NCR Director George F. Keyser during an emergency meeting of the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC).
“We are not ruling out Signal No. 4 in the NCR as the volume of rain could be unprecedented, even if the eye makes landfall far north,” he added.
The City of Manila has likewise placed its operations under red alert, following the directive of Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.
According to Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Director Arnel Angeles, the declaration ensures swift and coordinated response during the height of the storm.
“Sa kabila nito ay inaabisuhan natin ang publiko at kapwa nating Manileño na maging mapagmasid at itawag sa aming tanggapan ang anumang emergency, 0932-662-2322,” the MDRRMO said in a statement.
Region IV-A (CALABARZON) has also been placed under red alert.
According to Office of Civil Defense (OCD) CALABARZON Regional Director and RDRRMC Chairperson Carlos Eduardo Alvarez III, the alert aims to guarantee prompt coordination among government agencies and local government units in preparing for the storm’s potential impacts.