The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of “life-threatening storm surge” within the next 48 hours in at least 26 areas nationwide, including Metro Manila, as Typhoon Uwan moves closer to Luzon.
In its latest advisory, PAGASA said storm surge heights exceeding three meters are expected in Albay, Aurora, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Isabela, La Union, Pangasinan, Quezon, and Sorsogon.
Storm surges between 2.1 to 3 meters are also forecast in La Union, Pangasinan, and Northern Samar, while tidal surges ranging from one to two meters may affect Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Batanes, Cagayan, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Metro Manila, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Zambales, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.
PAGASA warned that low-lying coastal communities in these areas may experience inundation due to rising sea water and large waves, urging residents to move to higher ground.
“The public and the disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and precautionary measures, and watch for the next storm surge information to be issued at 2 p.m. today,” PAGASA said.
Government agencies including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and Philippine National Police (PNP) have been placed on high alert as part of the national preparations for Uwan’s expected landfall.