Marcos: Preemptive evacuation ‘made all the difference’

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday lauded emergency response teams for Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), adding the preemptive evacuations they carried out “made all the difference.”

These remarks followed a situation briefing, where he tasked all government agencies concerned with providing continuous assistance to those affected by the typhoon.

READ: Almost 1 million evacuated as Uwan slams Luzon

“I want to thank our local governments, first responders, and volunteers for acting quickly and working together to keep our people safe. The preemptive evacuations you carried out made all the difference. Your prompt action is very significant,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

During the meeting, Marcos ordered Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to promptly begin rehabilitating damaged roads to allow the continuous delivery of aid to areas affected by Typhoon Uwan, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a statement.

The President also directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to sustain the distribution of aid to residents affected by the typhoon and instructed Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to ensure that sufficient medical teams are on standby at all evacuation centers.

READ: Marcos orders quick road repairs in areas affected by Typhoon Uwan

As of 5 p.m., the state weather bureau said Typhoon Uwan continues to weaken as it moves away from the Ilocos Region.

It was spotted 175 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, as of 4 p.m., carrying maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 km/h. It moves in a northwest direction at 10 km/h.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said there were two deaths and two injuries reported due to the typhoon. /cb