Visitors hold off surfing trip to Aurora resorts ahead of Uwan

Predicted to reach a super typhoon category when it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), Typhoon Uwan has prompted visitors in Aurora province to rebook or cancel bookings in resorts to steer clear of the typhoon's projected path.

The local government of the province and several businesses also stepped up preparations to mitigate the impact of the cyclone.

In a "24 Oras" report by Ian Cruz on Friday, the municipality of Dilasag has cancelled classes and closed down government offices on Friday afternoon.

Concerned agencies and groups have conducted meetings to prepare and assess the needed actions to respond to what could be a devastating super typhoon.

Aurora Governor Isidro Galban said that they have already pre-positioned relief goods, heavy equipment, and deployed rescue teams in key areas. He stressed that pre-evacuation of residents in coastal and flood-prone areas was vital in ensuring fewer casualties.

“Isa lamang pong palaala sa ating mga minamahal na kababayan dito sa lalawigan ng Aurora [na] tayo po ay nag-uusap-usap at naghahanda na sa parating na bagyo. Kaya ako po ay nakikiusap, lalo na po sa ating mga kababayan na nakatira sa malapit sa kailugan at Karagatan [na] sa ganito pong kaaga pa lamang na paghanda ay sana po lumikas na tayo para hindi po tayo magkaroon ng isang malalang sitwasyon,” he said.

Meanwhile, tourists in Baler are observing the “calm before the storm” as businesses saw a gradual decline in bookings and reservations for the coming weekend.

“So far, may mga nag-rebook na ng mga rooms nila dahil nga nabalitaan na rin nila na may paparating na supertyphoon. Yung iba naman, umaasa pa rin na lilihis yung bagyo but maybe tomorrow,  makapag-decide sila kung mag-stay pa sila or kailangan nilang umalis,” said hotel owner Jeth Bustamante.

“Walang maturuan ng surf eh. Eh walang turista, walang turista napunta gawa siguro ng  bagyo [na] bukas pa yata ang dating,” added surfing instructor Arthur Agno.

As of 5 p.m., Signal No.1 was up over 21 areas nationwide before Uwan even makes its way inside the PAR.

Uwan is expected to enter the PAR sometime on Friday or Saturday early morning, and reach super typhoon category by Saturday evening or Sunday early morning, weather bureau PAGASA said.

A landfall scenario over the southern portion of Isabela or the northern portion of Aurora is predicted to take place on Sunday late evening or on Monday early morning. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News