MANDALUYONG. Philippines—In the middle of its ongoing humanitarian action for vulnerable communities affected by Tropical cyclones Kristine (Trami), Leon (Kong-Rey), Marce (Yinxing), Nika (Toraji), and Ofel (Usagi), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) extended aid to 7,040  individuals afflicted by the wrath of Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-Yi). 

When Super Typhoon Pepito made its landfall on November 16, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon immediately mobilized PRC staff and Red Cross 143 volunteers in several areas and provinces in the country. 

According to the PRC Operations Center as of November 18, the PRC provided 7,040 hot meals and 431 food donations to the affected people; psychological first aid to 5,986 citizens; hygiene promotion sessions to 120 evacuees; and child-friendly space to 56 children, among others.

The PRC also distributed 20,000 liters of clean water, medicines, vitamins, and shelter-strengthening kits. PRC’s rescue vehicles were strategically prepositioned while welfare desks, health desks, and first aid stations were also set up in various locations. 

“Pepito is the 16th tropical storm this year and the sixth typhoon in less than a month that hit our country. We activated our response and relief teams to assist affected communities by this super typhoon while our responses for the other five typhoons are underway. It’s not easy, but the Red Cross makes it possible,” Chairman Gordon stated. 

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang assured the public that the Red Cross will continue its operations, ensuring that people have access to basic necessities like food and clean water while they’re facing the aftermath of the series of cyclones. 

As of November 17, the PRC served 102,172 individuals affected by Typhoons Kristine and Leon; 3,568 people affected by Typhoon Marce; and a total of 8,682 citizens affected by Typhoons Nika and Ofel. 

The PRC’s various humanitarian assistances were delivered to priority areas of Quezon, Batangas, Masbate, Apayao, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon.