Catanduanes residents evacuated ahead of possible Uwan landfall —PDRRMO

Residents in high-risk communities in Catanduanes have evacuated from their homes ahead of Super Typhoon' Uwan’s close approach or possible landfall over the area, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said on Sunday. 

“Minonitor na namin po 'yun kasi may order na rin po si Governor based doon sa DILG memo na lahat i-secure na bago pa dumilim kagabi,” PDRRMO’s Roberto Monterola told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

(We are already monitoring it because the Governor also ordered [the evacuation] based on the DILG memo that everyone should be secured before dark last night.)

“So 'yun, nu'ng ma-check namin, lahat naman po ay nag-comply. At naka-safe naman po 'yung kailangan i-evacuate,” he added.

(So, when we checked, everyone complied. And those who needed to be evacuated are safe,” he added.

Monterola said the PDRRMO is closely monitoring the towns of Bagamanoc, Payo, and Viga as these areas were flooded during the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Rolly in 2020.

Strong winds and continuous rains are already being experienced in Catanduanes, according to Monterola.

In San Andres, Catanduanes, a video shared by Iwander via Vincent John Abordo showed heavy rains pouring on Saturday night.

The PDRRMO official advised their constituents to evacuate for their safety. 

“Praktikal na lang na dapat alam mo kung paano ka makakaligtas. Pumunta ka sa isang ligtas na lugar para hindi mo na kailangan ng tulong kung sakaling dumaan 'yung malakas na bagyo,” he said.

(It is just practical that you should know how to survive. Go to a safe place so that you don't need help if a strong typhoon passes by.)

According to him, go bags have been provided to concerned residents. 

“Yung mga go bag, matagal na namin naimbento 'yun. Bawat pamilya may mga kanya-kanya na po 'yung mga bitbit. Doon na din 'yung pagkain nila kasama ng kalan. Kung sakaling pagdating nila doon sa evacuation center na pupuntahan nila ay wala silang makain, so may bitbit na po 'yan,” he said.

(The go bags, we already invented them a long time ago. Each family has its own. Their food is also there with the stove. In case they arrive at the evacuation center and they have nothing to eat, they can use them.)

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, state weather bureau PAGASA said Uwan may make landfall over Catanduanes on Sunday. 

PAGASA said the center of the eye of Uwan may pass close to Catanduanes this morning and make landfall over Aurora Sunday night or early Monday morning.

“Due to its proximity, a direct hit (i.e., eyewall affecting the area without making landfall) or a landfall scenario over Catanduanes is possible,” PAGASA said.

Catanduanes was placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5. —KG, GMA Integrated News