Red Cross extends assistance to victims of quake-hit Batanes

Red Cross members distribute hot meals for over 2,000 survivors who were displaced after twin quakes hit Itbayat town in Zambales on July 27.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has extended its assistance to survivors of the twin quakes that hit Itbayat town in Batanes over the weekend.

In a statement on Tuesday, PRC said they distributed meals, roofing materials and water for over 2,000 earthquake victims who took shelter in tents in front of a Municipal Hall in Itbayat.

PRC also sent radio equipment, satellite phones and water purification units for the victims.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said their organization would soon provide shelter to the affected individuals.

“We are assessing as we are giving. Right now we are focused on their immediate needs, but eventually, we will provide their long-term needs, such as houses,” Gordon said in a statement.

PRC’s welfare teams also extended psychosocial support for victims who experienced trauma due to the earthquake.

Nine people died while around 60 were injured after a magnitude 5.4 quake rocked Itbayat town on Saturday (July 27) morning. This was followed by a stronger magnitude 5.9 quake.

READ: Death toll from Batanes twin quakes rises to 9

READ: Magnitude 5.4 quake rocks Itbayat, Batanes

READ: 5.9 magnitude quake jolts Batanes