BUTUAN CITY – Operations of all vessels and watercraft in Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Siargao Island were temporarily suspended by the Philippine Coast Guard starting Friday evening as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued an advisory placing several areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 due to typhoon ‘’Uwan.’’
The Coast Guard stations in the area advised all shipping companies to take appropriate precautionary measures by securing their vessels in safe harbor without any passengers or cargoes onboard.
The provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands were already under Signal No. 1 as of 5 p.m. Friday.
In Surigao del Norte, the Emergency Operations Center of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) was escalated to blue alert on Friday evening following PAGASA’s advisory.
The PDRRMC directed the City and Municipal DRRM Offices to submit situation reports.
Residents in the province were advised to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and collaborate with local authorities.
In Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel issued an advisory on Friday for a no sailing policy and the prohibition of all sea activities.
The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) likewise issued an advisory on Friday evening for the temporary restriction and ban on all high-risk outdoor tourism and recreational activities.
The DOT-13 advised tourists to refrain from venturing out to sea or engaging in high-risk activities until the storm has safely passed and the "All Clear" advisory is issued.
The Police Regional Office-13 is on full alert.
“As we did during the recent typhoon ‘Tino,’ our troops are still on the ground ready to assist in round-the-clock basis, based on the directive of our PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Magistrado IV,” Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer, PRO-13 Public Information Office chief, said. “Your PRO-13 is ready to assist anytime,” she added. (with a report from PNA)
