Isabela urges residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate ahead of Uwan landfall

The provincial government of Isabela made an appeal to residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate on Saturday ahead of the expected landfall of Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong).

"Kami rin po ay nananawagan sa lahat ng mga residente, Lalo na sa mga nakatira sa mga lugar na madaling bahain at sa mga Bahay na gawa sa magagaan na materyales, na lumikas na ngayong araw patungo sa mga evacuation center," the provincial government said, according to a post on Facebook by the public information office.

(We are also appealing to all residents, especially those living in areas that are prone to flooding and in houses made of light materials, to evacuate today and proceed to evacuation centers.)

Residents were also advised to be alert and prepared for the passage of Uwan.

"Inaabisuhan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Isabela ang lahat na manatiling handa at alerto sa nalalapit na pagdating ng Bagyong #UwanPH," the same post read.

(The Provincial Government of Isabela is advising everyone to be prepared and alert for the incoming Typhoon Uwan.)

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is in effect over Isabela.

According to the track forecast, the center of the eye of Uwan may pass close to Catanduanes on Sunday morning and make landfall over the southern portion of Isabela or the northern portion of Aurora on Sunday (09 November) evening or Monday early morning.

Meanwhile, in an interview on Dobol B TV on Saturday, Isabela Governor Rodolfo "Rodito" Albano III said preemptive evacuation is already being carried out in coastal and low-lying areas. 

"‘Yung mga preemptive evacuation ginagawa na ng mga coastal area at saka mga low-lying area," he said.

However, Albano said he does not have the total number of evacuees so far.

Since Isabela will be hit by Uwan, Albano said forced evacuation will be implemented even before the typhoon's landfall.

Albano also said the provincial government has been conducting dredging in the province's tributaries so as to make sure water will flow freely.

Some tributaries have been covered by soil, that is why they have been checking old maps to locate them, he added.

In terms of preparation for typhoons, Albano said the province is always ready.

"Lagi kaming nakahanda. Kung baga, kung sampu ang dumadaang bagyo sa Pilipinas, minsan labing-isa o labing-dalawa sa amin eh," he added.

(We are always ready. In a way, if 10 storms pass the Philippines, sometimes it becomes 11 or 12 for us.)

Albano said this is because they are always ready even if it is only a low pressure area that brings rains. 

Liquor ban

Meanwhile, a liquor ban is in effect in the province of Isabela due to the incoming typhoon, the public information office said.

Those who will be caught violating the liquor ban and drunk will be fined P2,000. Failure to pay this fine in seven days would lead to an increased fine of P3,000 or three months' jail, or both, depending on the court's decision.

Any individual or establishment caught selling liquor while the ban is in force will also be fined P4,000. The fine will go up to P5,000 if not paid in seven days, and violators may also face six months' jail term and cancellation of business permit.

The province is also implementing a "no sailing, no fishing, no swimming policy," in its rivers and coastal waters as part of preparations for Uwan.

 —KG, GMA Integrated News