Following the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Abra and contiguous provinces October 25 at 11:59 pm, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local governments to assess all buildings for possible damages.
“I would like to suggest to DPWH and the local governments that they check all the buildings, since they might cave in if their foundation was affected, to ensure that people will be safe.”
Gordon gave assurance that the foremost humanitarian organization in the country is ready to respond to people affected by the earthquake. PRC volunteers and staff are on the ground assessing the needs in coordination with local governments. He added that PRC is fine-tuning its volunteer system in the barangays so that cogent reports are transmitted to the PRC Operations Center right after the impact of any hazard event, to enable PRC to provide humanitarian assistance “just in time, on time, all the time.”
No casualties have been reported by the PRC chapters in Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, and Isabela as a result of the earthquake on October 25.
For emergencies, people may call Red Cross Hotline 143, or (02) 8790-2300.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) quickly responded to assist affected individuals as heavy rains caused floods in Quezon City and other areas over the weekend.
Flooded areas included Barangay Tatalon (chest-deep), Maria Clara Araneta, Barangay Santo Domingo (waist to chest-deep), and Barangay Damayang Lagi (chest-deep).
The PRC, in coordination with Quezon City and Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), deployed its Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) team with 6 personnel to Maria Clara Araneta, Santo Domingo and its Quezon City Emergency Medical Services for roving in their area of responsibility.
Heavy to torrential rains were also experienced in Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Caloocan City, Marikina City, and Rizal Province.
“Laging handa ang Red Cross sa pagsaklolo sa ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng tag-ulan. Nakahanda ang ating kagamitan, gayundin, ang ating volunteers at staff,” Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.
The PRC also reminds the public to follow safety measures as this season is considered a high-risk period for infectious diseases. It intensifies its information dissemination concerning health problems to protect the public against common diseases this rainy season: influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue.
For any emergency assistance, please call the PRC’s Operations Center at 143 or 790-23-00.