DILG urges swift action in 17,000 barangays as #UwanPH nears

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on more than 17,000 at-risk barangays to take immediate precautionary measures ahead of Typhoon Uwan, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen disaster preparedness and protect vulnerable communities.

The DENR–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has listed barangays nationwide as moderately to highly susceptible to floods and rain-induced landslides from 8 to 11 November . The list can be accessed at https://bit.ly/47K5pDn.

“Now is the time to act. Every minute counts, and every barangay must be ready. We need swift, coordinated action to keep our people safe,” the DILG said.

In an urgent advisory, the DILG instructed local governments and disaster offices to closely monitor river systems and carry out preemptive evacuations, particularly for families living near riverbanks and low-lying areas. In landslide-prone communities, residents should watch for cracks, tilting posts, and ground movement, and evacuate immediately if risks are observed.

Coastal barangays are urged to suspend fishing and boating activities and move residents to higher ground, as storm surges of more than three meters are possible. Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees are directed to lead local evacuations and monitor regular PAGASA bulletins.

According to PAGASA, Typhoon Uwan could bring intense to torrential rains over Bicol, Quezon, Marinduque, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Eastern Samar, with rainfall possibly reaching 300–400 millimeters in mountainous areas. Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and several parts of Luzon may also experience heavy to intense rains.

Preemptive evacuation is strongly advised for residents in flood-prone, coastal, low-lying, and landslide-prone communities. Priority should be given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children. Residents in earthquake-affected zones are advised to avoid sinkhole-prone areas as noted by the DENR-MGB.

As of the latest advisory, Typhoon Uwan continues to intensify over the Philippine Sea east of Bicol. The storm may reach super typhoon strength by Saturday night or Sunday, cross near Catanduanes on Sunday morning, and make landfall over southern Isabela or northern Aurora by Sunday night or early Monday.

“Following President Marcos’ call for stronger disaster preparedness, we are mobilizing all barangays to act decisively and protect their communities before Typhoon Uwan makes landfall,” the DILG said. “Disaster preparedness is everyone’s responsibility — from governors, mayors, and barangay leaders to national agencies and citizens,” it added.