Ilocos norte: The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-1) has directed all agencies and local governments in the Ilocos Region to intensify preparations for the possible impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, now named Uwan. In a memorandum, RDRRMC-1 chairperson and director of the Office of the Civil Defense Laurence Mina has directed all concerned RDRRMC-1 member agencies to intensify monitoring, immediately implement preparedness actions according to the attached minimum preparedness checklist, and to enforce mandatory pre-emptive evacuation, as needed.
According to Philippines News Agency, over 200 millimeters of rain may fall in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan on Nov. 9 to 10, likely causing widespread flooding and landslides. Nineteen barangays, 12 in Ilocos Norte and seven in Ilocos Sur, are identified as highly susceptible to such hazards. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Ilocos Region Field Office's Predictive Analytics estimated 3.5 million individuals may be affected.
The RDRRMC-1 Emergency Operations Center remains under blue alert status for heightened monitoring and reporting. The Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Region also raised a Code Blue Alert effective Friday to prepare for possible medical emergencies. Under this alert, additional health personnel have been deployed to evacuation centers and temporary health facilities, while medicines, medical supplies, and mobile response teams were prepositioned to support local government units.
In La Union, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that all incident command teams are now on full alert and ready for deployment. Search-and-rescue assets such as ambulances, rescue vehicles, jet skis, and rubber boats have been prepositioned for quick mobilization. The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) has prepared clearing teams and heavy equipment for potential operations, while the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) confirmed the availability of sufficient family food packs.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) reminded farmers to harvest mature crops and advised fish cage operators to harvest their stocks. Fisherfolk were cautioned not to venture out to sea. Local government units (LGUs) have also begun conducting PDRA meetings to finalize preparedness measures, preposition rescue equipment and teams, and ensure their Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) are operational 24/7.
Evacuation centers are being prepared to accommodate evacuees, and barangays have been instructed to maintain close coordination with LGUs for timely dissemination of information and advisories. Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega urged residents to closely monitor weather bulletins and cooperate with local authorities, especially those residing in low-lying and landslide-prone areas. He reminded the public to stay alert, take precautionary measures, and prioritize safety ahead of the typhoon's expected impact.
