MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has stepped up its humanitarian response as nearly 586,000 people have been affected by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon or “Habagat” and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay, citing figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
In an emergency appeal issued Saturday, the PRC said 585,000 individuals, or 170,593 families, were affected across nine regions, 33 provinces, 225 cities and municipalities and 1,362 barangays.
More than 32,000 people remain displaced, with many staying in evacuation centers or with relatives, while 4,866 individuals were preemptively evacuated, according to Red Cross.
The PRC said that it has been providing humanitarian assistance in affected communities, including evacuation support, relief distribution, welfare services and emergency response operations.
“Our Red Cross chapters and emergency rescue units are actively responding on the ground—rescuing stranded residents and even pets, while delivering emergency food supplies to communities affected by rising floodwaters,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.
The humanitarian organization said its teams and emergency rescue units continue to assist communities affected by flooding and other impacts of the weather disturbances.
