MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is deploying a humanitarian caravan to Isabela, Aurora, and Cagayan in anticipation of the impact of Typhoon Nika (“Toraji”), and of upcoming Ofel (“Man-yi”), and to boost efforts in providing the immediate needs of families affected by the recent Typhoon Marce (“Yinxing”).  

In the morning of November 11, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon convened a meeting with PRC’s executive officers, managers, and local chapter administrators to discuss further relief measures for communities affected by Marce, and plan preemptive responses to safeguard residents in Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, and parts of Central Luzon. 

The caravan consists of a water tanker, two food trucks, a cargo truck to be loaded with relief items, a 6×6 truck and two service vehicles. A PRC emergency response team will be deployed along with the 6 x 6 truck, for possible rescue and clearing assistance. In addition, two assessment teams from PRC Marikina and PRC Valenzuela, two hot meals teams from PRC Cavite Chapter and PRC Pasay City Chapter, and one WASH Team from the headquarters will also be sent to help operations in the affected provinces in the region. 

“This humanitarian caravan is part of our anticipatory action efforts to prepare crucial assets in North Luzon. This is at least the fourth storm in just the past two weeks to hit the country, with at least 2 more forecasted to come in almost the same path before the end of the year. We want to ensure that our local chapters are fully equipped to respond to any emergencies, especially since heavy rains and strong winds have been experienced in Cagayan, Aurora and the neighboring regions. In these dangerous times, preparedness is a life-saving necessity,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon. 

Along with the vehicles and manpower, the caravan will also include necessary items such as 2,000 pieces of tarpaulin to serve as temporary shelter for households with damaged roofs and walls, and 1,000 sets of shelter tool kits (ie. handsaw, shovel, nails, ropes, other construction tools); all of which will be given to families affected by the recent typhoons Marce and Nika. 

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added: “Our teams on the ground have reported many homes destroyed and families displaced, with others still in recovery from Kristine. We’ve given initial relief such as hot meals, food, and clean water, but our teams’ assessments on the ground indicate there is more work to be done.” 

To recall, two humanitarian caravans were sent to Bicol (specifically Camarines Sur and Albay) following the severe impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (“Trami”), followed by Typhoon Leon (“Kong-rey”) on the region’s people and property.