Metro Manila Council (MMC) President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said on Saturday, Nov. 8, that all Metro Manila Local Government Units (LGUs) have been conducting preparations ahead of Typhoon Uwan, including mobilizing rescue vehicles and equipment and pre-positioning food boxes and medicines in evacuation centers, as the storm threatens parts of Luzon with heavy rains.

Zamora added that LGUs have also been clearing drains, cutting trees, and continuously sharing information with the public.

“Preemptive evacuation of residents living along waterways and other identified danger zones will be conducted as necessary to ensure their safety,” he said. 

The mayor also said that all LGUs operating pumping stations are maintaining 24-hour operations with sufficient personnel and an adequate supply of diesel.

He urged the public to be prepared and be alert, as the typhoon has already entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“The safety and well-being of every Metro Manila resident remain our foremost concern,” he said. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Uwan” has rapidly intensified and is expected to reach super typhoon strength before making landfall over Isabela or Aurora by Sunday evening, Nov. 9, or early Monday, Nov. 10.

PAGASA said the typhoon is forecast to bring torrential rains to Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and parts of Northern Luzon beginning Sunday.