MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has advised residents in low-lying and coastal areas across 23 provinces and Metro Manila to prepare for storm surges that could reach heights of five to seven meters.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla has directed mayors and village officials in affected areas to prioritize the immediate mandatory preemptive evacuation of communities at risk of storm surges.

In a statement, the secretary said: “Ngayon pa lang ay may pakiusap na kami sa lahat ng Coastal Barangays sa mga lalawigan na ilisan na ang mga tao sa lugar na mula sampung metro sa dagat. Ang storm surge na posible mangyari ay lagpas bahay ang pasok ng dagat sa baybayin” and added, “Hindi po biro ito. EVACUATE NOW!”

The directive was issued to local chief executives following the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Friday at Camp Aguinaldo.

According to Secretary Remulla, the latest advisory from PAGASA indicates a high possibility of inundation due to rising sea levels and high waves in low-lying coastal communities across several provinces.

He emphasized that residents in at-risk areas must be promptly informed of evacuation plans. Additionally, Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees must ensure the safe transport of evacuees to well-equipped facilities.

The latest PAGASA Storm Surge Warning, issued at 2:00 a.m. today, reports a high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak heights exceeding 3.0 meters expected within the next 48 hours in the following areas: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, Marinduque, Masbate, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Samar.

The DILG is urging LGUs to continue monitoring PAGASA advisories closely.

📷 Screengrab from Edmar Arevalo