Red Cross preps for rainy day disasters

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Thursday said that preparations for rainy season are in place after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared on May 18 the start of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas.

PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon also reminded the public to take the usual precautions during this period.

The PRC noted that Pagasa also stated that the current La Niña may increase the possibility of above-normal rainfall conditions in the coming months affecting some parts of the country.

With this report from the state weather bureau, the PRC advised the public to follow the organization’s 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice.

“Laging handa ang Red Cross sa anumang sakuna ngayong tag-ulan [The Philippine Red Cross is always ready for any disaster during the rainy season],” Gordon said as he urged the public to observe proper hygiene and sanitation to prevent diseases that may come with the rainy days.

Upholding its mantra “Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology = a Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready, Always There,” the PRC, under the leadership of Gordon, has maintained its modern operations with assets delivering quick services to emergency situations arising due to hazards caused by heavy rainfall.

In anticipation of rescue and relief operations, these assets will be mobilized: Prepositioned items (food and non-food) 32 Food trucks

179 Ambulance units

5 Rescue trucks

34 Rescue boats

2 Amphibians

7 Payloaders

5 Six-by-six trucks

15 Fire trucks

6 Fire tanker trucks

2 Military jeeps

In addition, the PRC operates 17 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) hubs equipped with trained volunteers and staff, water treatment units, and hygiene promotion materials.

Some hubs also maintain water tankers for Wash-related emergencies. Those needing emergency assistance may call the PRC’S Operations Center at 143 or 790-23-00.