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Tag: habagat

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—Showcasing its capacity and readiness to respond to disasters, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately activated its two million volunteers and emergency response assets as the rainy season begins. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon directed PRC staff and volunteers from the national headquarters and 102 chapters nationwide to plan and prepare for possible rescue and relief operations as a low-pressure area (LPA) and southwest monsoon (habagat) continue to bring rains to several parts of the country. 

“The Philippine Red Cross is ready and on high alert as we officially enter the rainy season. Taun-taon tayong naghahanda para rito at mas pinapalakas pa natin ang ating kapasidad para mas marami tayong buhay na mapangalagaan at maligtas,” Chairman Gordon stated.  

PRC advises the public to uphold the organization’s 4Ps in disaster management—Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice. 

“Preparation is the key to survival. Our country is prone to tropical cyclones due to its geographical location, that’s why I highly urge our people to be vigilant and practice 4Ps. Nandito ang Red Cross para tulugan kayo anumang oras, pero mahalaga rin na alam ninyo kung paano tulungan ang inyong mga sarili sa oras ng sakuna,” he added. 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reminded the public to build their personal ‘Go Bag’ to prepare themselves for possible evacuation. 

“Even before a disaster strikes, we encourage everyone to organize their personal ‘Go Bag’ which contains essential supplies like food, water, emergency tools, medicines, clothes, money, and important documents that can last for a few days. Mahalaga ito para handa tayo sa posibleng paglikas,” Dr. Pang said.

The PRC will mobilize its eight regional warehouses,178 ambulances, 36 food trucks, 29 water tankers, 21 Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERVs), amphibious vehicles, rescue boats, and other response vehicles, as well as a dedicated drone and satellite internet communications network.

In addition, the PRC will also mobilize 17 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) hubs equipped with mobile purification systems and emergency water bladders; three field hospitals; 128 medical tents; and 5,700 medical corps volunteers. These services are supported by PRC’s 109 blood facilities, mobile health units, and vaccination buses. 

For emergencies, the public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotline by dialing 143. 

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) intensified its information campaign concerning health problems to protect the people and the community from waterborne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue these monsoon months.

PRC is reminding everyone to take extra precautions as this is the high-risk period during which infectious diseases spread easily. Communication materials, house to house visits and health seminars are part of the awareness campaign of the Red Cross.

“PRC’s 104 Chapters are all set, as are the staff and volunteers to organize health campaigns to raise awareness of the health hazards brought by the rainy season. These campaigns are always done in coordination with the local health centers and offices,PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

The Red Cross’ pool of community volunteers, known as 143 volunteers, are tasked to report directly to the chapters in case of verified outbreaks.

The PRC has sufficient supply of blood in its 93 blood centers nationwide to cater to the people in case there will be an outbreak of dengue, leptospirosis, or other health concerns.

Residents are encouraged to clean their surroundings especially possible breeding places of mosquitoes to avoid being infected with dengue virus. Suspected dengue symptoms are: high fever (40 degrees Celsius / 104 degrees Fahrenheit), skin rashes, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and swollen glands. The next 24-48 hours with these symptoms are fatal. Proper medical care and attention are needed to avoid complications and death.

Leptospirosis can enter the body through open wounds, the eyes, or mucous membranes. Humans become infected through direct contact from the urine of infected animals like rodents. Symptoms are high fever, chills, headache, jaundice, diarrhea, fatigue, sore throat, joint and muscle pains, rashes, reddish eyes, and abdominal pains to Weil’s disease with organ dysfunction. Immediate medical attention is advised. People wading through flood waters are at a high risk of contracting this disease.

The general public is urged not to swim or dabble in flood water, use protection like umbrellas, raincoats, boots and gloves, boil tap water before drinking, drink fruit juices and plenty of water, get enough sleep and drink vitamin C to boost the immune system. It is also advisable to wear pajamas, long pants and long sleeves to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Strong insect-repellant lotion should also be applied to keep mosquitoes away.

“Let’s observe proper personal hygiene and keep our surroundings clean to steer away from these diseases,” added Gordon.

PRC is noted for its excellence in providing blood as well as safety, health, welfare, disaster management and other humanitarian services.

For emergencies, contact our 24/7 Operations Center. Dial 143 or 790-23-00 for assistance.

Philippine Red Cross

Born officially in 1947, but with roots that traces back to the revolutionary days, the Philippine Red Cross has truly become the premier humanitarian organization in the country, committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.

Address: 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Emergency Hotline: 143
Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300
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