The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has confirmed that more than 50,000 families in the Bicol Region have been placed under preemptive evacuation as Typhoon Uwan continues to intensify.
According to OCD Bicol, the evacuation covers residents in flood-prone and landslide-risk areas across Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon.
Local government units (LGUs) have activated emergency shelters and coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide food packs, hygiene kits, and medical assistance.
The OCD emphasized that the move aims to achieve zero casualty by relocating vulnerable communities before the storm makes landfall.
Typhoon Uwan, which has reached super typhoon strength, is expected to bring torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges exceeding three meters in coastal areas.
PAGASA has raised Signal No. 5 in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Polillo Islands, while Signal No. 4 and 3 are in effect in other parts of Luzon and Visayas.
Authorities have also warned of possible lahar flows from Mayon Volcano due to heavy rainfall in Albay.
The OCD assured that coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police is ongoing to assist in rescue and relief operations.
Residents are urged to cooperate with evacuation orders, prepare emergency kits, and monitor official advisories from PAGASA and local disaster response units.