ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government has placed all response units on full alert as Typhoon “Uwan” — still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but forecast to intensify into a strong to possibly super typhoon — moves closer to the country.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the weather disturbance, internationally known as “Fung-wong”, has strengthened while hovering east of the Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 95 to 100 kilometres per hour and gustiness of up to 125 km/h as of Friday morning. The system was last located 1,315 kilometres east of Eastern Visayas and is expected to enter the PAR late Friday night or early Saturday, November 8, when it will be given the local name Uwan.
Once inside the PAR, Uwan is forecast to rapidly intensify into a typhoon or possibly a super typhoon by late Saturday or early Sunday, November 9. Based on PAGASA’s forecast, the potential landfall areas include the southern portion of Isabela or the northern portion of Aurora by Sunday night or early Monday, November 10, before crossing Northern Luzon toward the West Philippine Sea.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, who chairs the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), led the pre-disaster risk assessment meeting on Friday to ensure early preparations and inter-agency coordination.
“Even if Iloilo City is not yet forecast to experience heavy rains, we should not be complacent,” she said in Hiligaynon. “Weather conditions can still change, and the winds may strengthen in the coming days.”
She said the City Operations Center (OpCen) has already issued warnings about possible flooding in low-lying areas since the ground remains saturated and rivers are still full due to the recent impact of Typhoon “Tino” — yet Iloilo City recorded zero casualties from that storm.
“That’s why we are preparing early,” she said. “Our CDRRMO, together with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and all response clusters, are now on full alert.”
The city government has started repacking food supplies for quick deployment in case evacuations or relief operations are needed. Coordination with PAGASA and national agencies is ongoing to ensure timely updates and advisories.
Treñas called on the public to stay calm yet cautious, monitor official announcements, and avoid spreading unverified information. PAGASA also urged residents in Luzon and Visayas to prepare for what it described as a “very intense” and “enormous” tropical cyclone once Uwan enters the PAR.
The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said barangay response teams and evacuation centres are on standby. Residents, especially those in flood-prone and coastal areas, are advised to secure their homes and prepare emergency supplies as the city braces for possible heavy rains and strong winds over the weekend./PN
