Northern Luzon braces for Typhoon Lawin 

Local governments in northern Luzon have started preparations for Typhoon Lawin, which is forecast to hit the area on Thursday.

GMA News’ Victoria Tulad on Wednesday reported on Unang Balita that Baguio City's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has been on red alert since Tuesday, with local authorities conducting round-the-clock operations while placing all manpower on standby.

In its 8 a.m. Wednesday update, Tropical Cyclone Warning (TCW) Signal No. 2 has been raised in Benguet.

“Nagdi-disseminate po kami ng SMS text blasts o BSS radio at saka media, radio and TV. Tapos sa mga barangay, nagdi-disseminate po kami ng letter para sa preparation,” said Engr. Yolanda Munar of Baguio's CDRRMC.

The CDRRMC has also reminded residents of Brgy. Lower Quarry Lagoon, which easily gets flooded on rainy days, to evacuate when needed.

Also, she said riprap slope protection of landslide-prone areas have also been strengthened.

“Nakikita ‘yung areas na landslide-prone ... may technical groups na tumitingin doon. Usually nire-report ng mga barangay ‘yan na nilalagyan nila ng mitigation prevention ‘yung mga riprap, mga slope protection,” Munar said.

For his part, Baguio City's Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the local government has prepared evacuation centers, relief goods, and rescue equipment in time for the typhoon.

Domogan also reminded motorists to avoid landslide-prone Kennon Road and advised them to take McArthur Highway or Naguilian Road instead.

Dagupan City, Pangasinan

Preparations have also been made in Dagupan City in Pangasinan, where Signal No. 1 has been raised.

On Tuesday, the city government met with several non-government organizations to discuss the preparations for the typhoon, GMA News’ Joanne Ponsoy told Unang Balita on Wednesday.

Several barangays in Dagupan City, including the barangays of Malued and Lasip Chico,  are still flooded after Typhoon Karen cut through Pangasinan last Sunday.

Ilocos Region

Meanwhile, in Ilocos Norte, local government officials have ordered farmers to start harvesting their crops ahead of possible floods, GMA News’ Cesar Apolinario told Unang Balita.

Likewise, extensive preparations have also been made in San Fernando City, La Union.

The local government has made ready safety kits and rescue equipment, including two jet-skis, four rubber boats, and several rescue boats.

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, storm signals have been raised in 31 areas in the country. The provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, Ifugao, and Mountain Province were under TCW Signal No. 3. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News