MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed rescue, health, relief, welfare, and sanitation teams across Luzon as the southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, continues to cause widespread flooding.
As of Aug. 31, PRC Emergency Response Units have rescued and assisted 624 individuals with evacuation across various provinces and cities.
To address basic needs, PRC teams have delivered 35,551 hot meals, 17,254 pieces of bread, and 2,818 three-day food rations to affected communities. Relief operations also included the distribution of 164 non-food items, as well as 40 blankets and sleeping mats for 40 displaced families.
On the medical front, safety teams have established 107 first aid stations, conducted 918 vital-sign checks, and provided first aid assistance to 250 individuals. PRC Health Services reached 15,327 people through health education campaigns, conducted 649 health consultations, and distributed 20,909 face masks, 718 medicines, 783 doxycycline tablets, and 18,818 disease-prevention materials.
For hygiene and sanitation efforts, PRC teams reached 20,960 individuals through hygiene promotion activities and distributed hygiene kits to 18,918 residents. A PRC water tanker was also deployed to Olongapo to conduct flushing operations in two designated areas.
PRC Welfare Services provided psychological first aid to 5,725 individuals, reached 4,078 children through Child-Friendly Spaces, established 62 welfare desks, and distributed 3,023 bottles of water.
To support these widespread operations, the organization deployed an extensive fleet of assets, including six rescue boats, 12 ambulances, seven volunteer emergency response vehicles, five food trucks, three 6x6 rescue trucks, two Humvee rescue trucks, one amphibious vehicle, and one water tanker.
The operations currently cover Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Cavite, Rizal, Metro Manila, La Union, Baguio, and Batangas, among other areas.
As of Aug. 31, a total of 147 staff members and 1,083 unique volunteers have been deployed, accounting for 1,997 total volunteer mobilizations.
“Habagat can quickly turn heavy rains into a serious emergency, especially for families in flood-prone communities. Our volunteers and staff are on the ground providing rescue, food, medical assistance, clean water, and other essential services to those who need them,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang emphasized that families affected by flooding face ongoing health, sanitation, and psychosocial challenges.
“Our response does not stop at rescuing people from floodwaters. We are providing health services, food, hygiene support, psychological first aid, and safe spaces for children because these are all essential to keeping families safe during and after Habagat,” Pang said.
The PRC said it will continue to closely monitor affected communities and adjust its operational response based on emerging needs.
