Cordillera prepares for #UwanPH

BAGUIO CITY — All Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) offices and councils in the Cordillera Region are on alert days before the expected landfall of the strong weather disturbance "Uwan," internationally known as "Fung-Wong."

In a proactive move to ensure public safety, Mayor Bernard S. Waclin of Itogon, Benguet, has ordered the immediate suspension of all underground small-scale mining operations, including quarrying and gold panning activities along river systems in the municipality. This preemptive suspension aims to secure the safety of miners and residents in landslide-prone areas, a critical concern given the history of fatal landslides in Itogon during past major typhoons.

PAGASA has warned that the highest possible alert, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 5, may be hoisted over the areas directly hit, emphasizing the life-threatening stormy conditions expected over Northern and parts of Central Luzon.

Local government units across the Cordillera are advised to activate their disaster monitoring protocols and review evacuation plans, particularly for residents in high-risk areas identified as prone to landslides and flooding, ahead of Uwan's expected severe impact.

Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Cordillera Regional Director Alberto Mogol said that the potential track and intensity of "Uwan" could mirror the experience during Super Typhoons "Ompong" and "Rosita" in 2018. He stressed the importance of proactive preparedness, ensuring pre-emptive evacuation and the safety and readiness of evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Cordillera, there are ten barangays in each of the six provinces of the region that are susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding. At any time, the Cordillera Regional DRRMC Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may upgrade its blue alert status to red should Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals be raised in the provinces.