The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Monday, July 29, called on the public to contribute to its emergency relief drive to support ongoing disaster operations for those affected by the typhoon.

With more than 11,800 families staying in over 200 evacuation centers in Metro Manila and other regions, the PRC urged the public to support its efforts as it continues to help communities recover from recent disasters.
“We are calling on the public to support the efforts of the Red Cross as we strive to help communities recover from this disaster,” said PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang in a statement.
Assisting victims and affected communities
PRC said the southwest monsoon’s persistent effects, coupled with the recent typhoons Butchoy and Carina (international name: Gaemi), continue to impact numerous areas across the country.
The resulting floods, landslides, and damage to homes have affected approximately 880,000 people, or 180,000 families, nationwide, according to the PRC.
PRC also noted that over 5,000 families remain in evacuation centers in Mindanao, which was hit by heavy rains, floods, and landslides days before Carina passed through Luzon and the Visayas.
The PRC noted that Red Cross 143 volunteers and staff have been deployed to assist Filipinos in need, embodying the Red Cross motto of being “always first, always ready, and always there.”
“During these challenging times, the public can always count on the Red Cross to help vulnerable communities in need,” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dick Gordon.
“Our dedicated volunteers and staff are continuing to aid families affected by typhoons Butchoy and Carina and are helping them rebuild their lives,” he added.
Disaster efforts
The Red Cross emergency response units (ERU) and water, search, and rescue (WASAR) teams have provided aid to 500 individuals and rescued 400 others who were stranded on the streets or trapped in their homes due to floods ranging from knee-deep to chest-deep in the affected areas.
Hot meals, including arroz caldo and champorado, were provided to 24,000 displaced individuals in Luzon and the Visayas, and nearly 5,000 people in Mindanao.
Additionally, Disaster Management Services (DMS) teams have distributed hygiene kits and food packs to communities affected by the disaster in various provinces.
Approximately 30 first-aid stations have been established, and Red Cross Health units have mobilized ambulances to conduct health consultations and check-ups for those in need, especially within evacuation centers.
Medicines, including the anti-leptospirosis drug Doxycycline, have been administered to residents in Mandaluyong, Marikina, Makati, Bataan, and La Union.
To safeguard children in evacuation centers, Red Cross Welfare units have established 700 child-friendly spaces and provided psychosocial first aid to 2,000 individuals.
Water, Sanitation, and Health (WASH) teams have dispatched water tankers carrying a total of 27,375 liters of clean water to thousands of families in Marikina, Cavite, and Valenzuela.
As the floods receded, Emergency Response Units (ERUs) assisted in clearing and flushing operations across communities, schools, and other buildings.
A Red Cross payloader was also dispatched to Marikina City to help remove mud and debris from the city’s roads and pathways.
The Red Cross is closely monitoring the situation as flooding continues in Malabon, Valenzuela, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bulacan.
Assessments are being conducted to ensure the safety of residents as they return to rebuild their homes and resume their lives and livelihoods.
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