Full alert for Uwan

All government agencies are on full alert as the Philippines braces for the impact of Typhoon Uwan, which may intensify into a super typhoon before directly making landfall in Luzon.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

Typhoon Uwan, with a radius that could cover almost the entire country, is tracked by personnel of a municipal disaster risk management office in Manila yesterday. In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, President Marcos has declared a one-year state of national calamity following a recommendation from the NDRRMC.

(NOEL PABALATE)

President Marcos yesterday assured the public that the government is continuously monitoring the cyclone as it approached northern Luzon.

"All agencies of the government are on full alert and have immediately acted to ensure the safety of our countrymen," he said in a statement. "Follow the advice of your LGU and evacuate immediately if you are in a dangerous area. Prepare your primary needs and monitor official announcements. Let us unite. Every second counts."

Marcos said the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have deployed buses and trucks for evacuation, while the social welfare and public works departments, along with the military and coast guard, have prepositioned rescue vehicles, lifeboats, and relief goods in areas likely to be affected.

Toll fees have been suspended for emergency convoys and responders, and special lanes have been designated to ensure immediate access to high-risk areas.