Forced evacuation ordered in Borbon, Cebu due to Uwan

The municipal government of Borbon, Cebu on Saturday ordered a forced evacuation of residents living in landslide-prone areas amid the upcoming threat of Typhoon Uwan.

“All residents living in identified landslide-prone and high-risk areas are hereby ordered to evacuate immediately to designated evacuation centers for their safety,” an executive order signed by Borbon Municipal Mayor Nico Dotillos read.

Dotillos further directed the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and concerned Barangay Officials to enforce the order and assist in the safe evacuation and transport of affected residents.

Barangay officials and local media outlets are also advised to disseminate the order immediately through all available means of communication.

“This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon issuance and shall remain in force until the threat of Typhoon [Uwan] has passed and it is declared safe for residents to return to their homes,” the executive order read.

The municipal government cited the heavy to torrential rains and strong winds that will affect their municipality on Saturday evening.

“WHEREAS, continuous and heavy rainfall may trigger landslides, flash floods, and other related hazards, endangering the lives and properties of residents situated in identified landslide-prone areas,” the order read.

Signal no. 1 was raised in the northern and central portions of Cebu, including Borbon, on Saturday morning as Typhoon Uwan rapidly intensified over the last 24 hours while marching across the Philippine Sea east of Eastern Visayas.

"The highest Wind Signal that will likely be hoisted throughout its passage is Wind Signal No. 5," PAGASA said.

Areas not covered by wind signals were expected to experience occasional gusty conditions reaching strong to gale-force strength over Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao on Saturday and Sunday. —VAL, GMA Integrated News