At least 50 domestic flights and 17 provincial bus trips were canceled Saturday as typhoon “Uwan” threatened the country with heavy rains and strong winds, possibly intensifying into a super typhoon before making landfall.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced that the flight cancellations for 9 and 10 November were made due to adverse weather conditions brought by the typhoon.
As of 8 November, Cebu Pacific Air has suspended several flights, including those between Manila and Cauayan, Tuguegarao and Virac, while CebGo grounded its routes between Cebu and Masbate, Manila and Naga, Clark and Naga, Clark and Masbate, and Cebu and Calbayog.
Philippine Airlines also canceled its flights between Manila and Catarman, Cebu and Calbayog, and Manila and Tuguegarao.
On 10 November, more flights remain suspended. Cebu Pacific canceled its routes between Manila and Cauayan, Tuguegarao and Virac. CebGo grounded its Manila–Naga and Clark–Naga flights, while Philippine Airlines called off its Clark–Basco, Manila–Laoag, Manila–Cauayan and Manila–Tuguegarao routes.
CAAP said all area centers and airports in regions along Uwan’s path have been placed under heightened alert as a safety precaution.
Meanwhile, 17 bus trips from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) were also canceled on Saturday, 8 November, due to the same weather disturbance.
The affected routes include those bound for Masbate in the Bicol Region; Eastern Samar and Laoang in Northern Samar; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Davao City and Tagum in Mindanao.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Uwan” is moving west-northwest and may pass close to Catanduanes on Sunday morning before making landfall over southern Isabela or northern Aurora by Sunday night or early Monday.
After crossing Northern Luzon, the typhoon is expected to emerge over the coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union on Monday.
PAGASA warned that “Uwan” may reach super typhoon strength before landfall but could weaken slightly as it crosses land, while remaining a typhoon.