OCD on high alert as ‘Uwan’ threatens to become super typhoon

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is closely monitoring an approaching tropical storm that could intensify into a super typhoon as it moves toward the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state weather bureau warned Thursday.

In a radio interview, OCD Deputy Administrator for Administration Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the storm’s rainband is so expansive that it could bring widespread rains across Luzon, particularly in flood-prone areas.

“Ang tinutumbok po ay Aurora–Tuguegarao, Cagayan area, pero ang rainband po niya, ang binabantayan namin kasi kung malaking sistema siya, buong Luzon po ang uulanin niyan,” Alejandro said, noting that even regions outside the storm’s direct path may experience heavy rainfall.

He said the OCD is continuously coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to ensure preparedness, especially in areas highly susceptible to flooding and landslides.

“Based on our analysis, we are already issuing warnings and preparatory instructions to all LGUs that may be affected, particularly in Northern, Central, and Southern Luzon up to the Bicol Region,” he added.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the weather disturbance — internationally named Fung-Wong — will be locally called “Uwan” once it enters PAR.

PAGASA said Fung-Wong is expected to enter PAR by late Friday night or early Saturday morning. It could intensify into a typhoon by Friday and potentially reach super typhoon category by Saturday.

The weather bureau also warned of a growing possibility that Fung-Wong (Uwan) could make landfall over Northern or Central Luzon on Monday, possibly at or near its peak intensity.

OCD said it will remain on high alert and continue issuing advisories as the storm approaches, urging the public to stay updated on official weather bulletins and to follow the guidance of local disaster management offices.