Marcos Jr directs gov units to prep for Super Typhoon Leon; evacs underway in Batanes

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has directed national and local government units to prepare for the potential effects of Super Typhoon Leon.

Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco confirmed that evacuation efforts are underway, with food packs distributed to residents affected by the typhoon, ensuring a three-day supply.

Healthcare and social welfare personnel were deployed to evacuation centers in Batanes, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepositioned nearly 2,000 family food packs for affected residents.

An additional 5,500 family food packs will be transported by a Philippine Coast Guard vessel from Pangasinan to Batanes as soon as weather conditions permit, with the DSWD coordinating closely with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and using C130 aircraft if necessary.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed standby assets and is coordinating with other government agencies to transport needed supplies and relief to affected residents.

As of Thursday morning, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 was hoisted over Batanes by PAGASA, indicating that Leon had started moving away from the province towards Taiwan.