Pre-emptive evacuation saves lives ahead of Super Typhoon Uwan

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Philippine Coast Guard and local officials guide residents to safety in Jomalig, Quezon, as Super Typhoon 'Uwan...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Philippine Coast Guard and local officials guide residents to safety in Jomalig, Quezon, as Super Typhoon 'Uwan' approached. Pre-emptive evacuations secured 29 lives. (CGDST)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - According to the Lucena City Public Information Office, a massive pre-emptive evacuation effort is underway across Quezon Province as Super Typhoon 'Uwan' continues its severe impact. Local authorities confirm that over 4,300 individuals in Lucena City alone are now housed in government shelters, alongside smaller-scale rescue operations completed earlier in Jomalig and Quezon towns.

The evacuation was deemed critical because the Polillo Islands, including Jomalig, faced the highest alert level, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 5. This signal is issued for Super Typhoons, indicating devastating winds and a high risk of life-threatening storm surges exceeding three meters along the coast.



The scale of the crisis has grown significantly, with Lucena City now reporting major displacement. As of 12 noon today, Sunday, November 9, a total of 1,105 families, or 4,346 individuals, currently occupy 34 different evacuation centers across the city due to the continued threat of the Super Typhoon.

Earlier, critical rescues secured twenty-nine vulnerable residents in the municipalities of Jomalig and Quezon. In Jomalig, the urgency required officials to enforce a forced evacuation in Sitio Moros, Barangay Talisoy, as the local Coast Guard team and local disaster office safely moved 17 individuals to a secure school evacuation center.

Authorities acted swiftly in the neighboring municipality of Quezon, Quezon, securing twelve residents from the Poblacion area. This second operation involved a coordinated response team, including Coast Guard units, the local disaster office, PNP, and BFP, which brought all twelve evacuees to safety at the Quezon, Quezon National High School.

Communication with Jomalig stopped after the entire island experienced a massive power outage. Despite the inability to contact residents, officials confirmed all evacuated persons were moved to safety yesterday by LGU, Barangay Officials, and Uniformed Personnel.

The welfare of all evacuees, especially the children and elderly, remains a high priority while they are temporarily sheltered away from their homes. Following DSWD protocol, all designated centers stock food packs, essential supplies, and basic medical care to provide immediate assistance.

Initial reports from the Polillo Islands confirmed the wisdom of the forced evacuations. With Super Typhoon "Uwan" bringing its peak intensity winds and a significant storm surge, all 29 citizens initially moved from Jomalig and Quezon safely weathered the most dangerous hours inside sturdy evacuation centers, avoiding high risk of injury and loss.