Under Signal No. 4, Nueva Ecija braces for Uwan

The entire province of Nueva Ecija has been placed under Signal No. 4 due to the onslaught of Typhoon Uwan, according to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) head Michael Calma.

In a pre-disaster risk assessment conducted last Friday, authorities projected heavy rainfall and strong winds over the northern part of the province as the typhoon passes through the upper portion of Nueva Ecija. Among the areas being closely monitored for possible flooding are San Jose City, Muñoz, Talavera, Santo Domingo, Gimba, Quezon, Licab, Aliaga, Zaragoza, San Antonio, and Cabiao — particularly if the Talavera River overflows.

Calma said heavy equipment and rescue assets have been pre-positioned in designated “flashpoints,” or areas historically prone to flooding and landslides during storms. The PDRRMO is also coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to manage traffic flow and ensure a quick response to possible emergencies.

Four major rivers are currently being monitored in the province — the Pampanga, Talavera, Rio Chico, and Peñaranda Rivers. Of these, Calma noted that the Talavera River poses the highest risk of swelling.

Pre-emptive evacuations have already been carried out in several towns, including Gabaldon and Zaragoza, particularly in barangays located near rivers and creeks.

“Siempre, yung drowning incident, iniiwasan natin yan. Lalong-lalo na yung mga bahay adjacent to rivers and creeks. So, syempre, pagka hindi sila nag-evacuate at dumating yung malakas na tubig, yung drowning incident ay mangyayari”, said Calma

Meanwhile, the Pantabangan Dam remains at a safe water level of 214 meters, below its spilling level of 221 meters, according to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Authorities, however, have begun a “drawdown release” — a gradual discharge of water — in anticipation of rising levels from the expected heavy rainfall.

Calma urged residents, especially those living in low-lying and riverside communities, to heed the advice of local officials and evacuate immediately if instructed.

According to PAGASA, Nueva Ecija may experience intense to torrential rains exceeding 200 millimeters between 8 p.m. and midnight, which could lead to widespread flooding if the downpour persists.

“Ang pinakaimportante ngayon ay makinig sa mga babala at agad na lumikas kung inutusan ng inyong LGU. Iwasan nating may malunod o maipit sa baha,” Calma reminded the public. —RF, GMA Integrated News