MANILA — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has warned that Typhoon Uwan could affect more than 50 provinces across the Philippines, stretching from Region 1 all the way to Caraga in northern Mindanao.
“Right now, we have 54 provinces within Uwan’s affected areas,” said OCD Deputy Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV during a Saturday briefing.
If the storm continues its current path, Alejandro added, the Visayas regions — Western, Central, and Eastern — will also be hit. The National Capital Region (NCR) is likewise included in the list, bringing the total to 54 areas.
Millions at Risk
Based on the OCD’s Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment, around 5.7 million people living in coastal areas are directly exposed to Uwan’s threat. In total, over 61 million Filipinos lie along the typhoon’s projected path.
“These are huge numbers,” Alejandro noted. “That’s why early action is critical.”
Government Calls for Urgent Action
The OCD is urging all local and provincial governments in affected areas to finish preemptive evacuations and safety preparations no later than noon on Sunday.
“We are appealing that all preparations be completed before the rains and winds arrive,” Alejandro said. “We cannot wait for the typhoon to hit before moving people to safety.”
As Uwan approaches, authorities continue to remind residents to stay alert, monitor official updates, and prioritize safety above all else.
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Source: GMA News
