MANDALUYONG, Philippines—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) remains active in rescue and response as the country experiences the wrath of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine (international name: Trami). 

In a Facebook post, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon wrote that the nation is currently facing what he called ‘Bulaga season’ wherein typhoons become more unpredictable and extreme than expected, along with successive rescue operations in Camarines Sur, Bicol, Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna. 

“Sa kasalukuyan, nararanasan natin ang tinatawag kong ‘Bulaga season’ kung saan biglang lumalakas ang mga bagyo na higit pa sa inaasahan. Tila hindi na sapat ang kahit anong paghahanda, dahil palaging may kakulangan kapag dumating ang mga ganitong kalamidad. Hindi lamang ito nangyayari sa Pilipinas—halimbawa, sa US, maaaring tamaan ng isang bagyo at pagkatapos ng ilang linggo, muling tatamaan ng isa pang bagyo,” Gordon shared. 

He also mentioned the reported lahar flow from Mayon Volcano in Albay due to heavy rainfall brought by STS Kristine. Gordon explained that if the lahar flow continues, it will cause grave damages to many innocent lives. 

“Kung patuloy na bababa ang lahar, maaaring maputol nito ang ugnayan ng Albay at Camarines Sur, lalo na kung aabot ito sa mga pangunahing daan. Kailangan nating maghanda ng masusing plano para sa paglikas, tulong, at pagsuporta sa mga kabuhayan kung sakaling mangyari ito. Ito rin ay maaaring magdulot ng matinding suliranin sa ekonomiya, pagkasira ng mga tahanan, at pagkawala ng kabuhayan, tulad ng mga mudslide na naganap sa North Carolina. Malaki ang posibilidad ng pinsala sa imprastruktura, at lubos na maaapektuhan ang pang-araw-araw na buhay ng mga tao,” he added.

Chairman Gordon assures that the PRC is all out in providing necessary services and aid for those in dire need. On  October 23, the PRC dispatched a comprehensive humanitarian caravan (amphibian water vessel, service vehicle, 6×6 truck, food truck, and five rubber boats) to the typhoon-affected provinces. Other assets such as water tankers, service vehicles, and ambulance units are on standby in PRC Chapters. 

As of October 24 (8 p.m.), the PRC served hot meals to over 8,000 individuals; provided psychological first aid to 460 persons; and served 394 patients. Red Cross 143 volunteers and staff were also mobilized on the ground while welfare desks and first aid stations were strategically prepositioned in severely affected areas. 

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