Red Cross brings water, humanitarian caravan to ‘Urduja’ victims

The Philippine Red Cross has deployed a humanitarian caravan for victims affected by the typhoon “Urduja” in Biliran province.

The caravan consists of ambulances, a 5,000-liter water tanker, six water bladders, five tap stands, water treatment set, and portable generator sets, said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

Aside from these, the PRC also installed a 15,000-liter water bladder at the Biliran Provincial Hospital to provide steady water supply to patients, healthcare workers, and residents nearby.

On Wednesday, the PRC reported that they sent a six-wheeler truck loaded with non-food items such as hygiene kits, mosquito nets, blankets and jerry cans to Biliran; as it likewise provided anti-tetanus vaccines to injured individuals in the province.

“I would like to commend our staff and volunteers who are working round-the-clock this Christmas season to ensure that families affected and displaced by the landslide will have access to clean water. The DSWD is also there now taking care of the food and water of those affected in Biliran,” Gordon said in a statement.

Gordon said PRC’s Cebu chapter is on standby for possible deployment of additional equipment such as payloader, water tanker, truck, generator sets, deployment tents, and communication kits.

Since last week, the PRC has distributed hot meals to 8,299 individuals in Northern Samar, Ormoc City, Surigao City, Leyte, Masbate, Eastern Samar, and Camarines Norte.

PRC volunteers and staff also provided over 300 food items and non-food items such as towels, plastic mats, and blankets.

The humanitarian group likewise set up 13 welfare desks and provided psychosocial support to 169 individuals.

The PRC, moreover, said that over 60 individuals were rescued and transported for further medical attention.

The PRC operates in 103 chapters across the country, with around 2 million volunteers nationwide.              /kga