The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will be strengthening the capacity of the local chapter in Batanes, following the aftermath of Super Typhoon Julian.
The heavy rains and strong winds from the enhanced southwest monsoon and “Julian” led to some flooding on major roads, roadblocks from fallen trees, and hundreds of totally or partially damaged houses.
PRC first aid teams conducted roving activities to give immediate first aid to injured individuals due to the typhoon’s aftermath.
Some individuals were treated by PRC’s first aid responders, and emergency response service (ERU) units assisted people to evacuation centers.
Five evacuation centers were open in Batanes with 94 families or 306 individuals. The families who evacuated included a month-old baby and senior citizens, who were assisted by the volunteers.
Assessment is ongoing by the chapter, in partnership with the local government, to ensure the needs of people in terms of shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, health, and welfare are met.
At present, the Batanes chapter only has a single motorcycle as its transportation asset.
The national headquarters is planning to provide a pickup vehicle to the chapter, which can help the chapter mobilize volunteers and staff, as well as load essential items like relief packs to evacuation centers and other communities in-need. The PRC is also looking into potentially establishing its own building there in the future.
“We already have more than 300 RC143 volunteers in Batanes who are committed and eager to assist in times of crises.”
“Batanes and the Babuyan Islands are always in the path of storms entering the country, so it’s vital for us to have a strong foothold there in order for our services to reach a wider range of people. We already have more than 300 RC143 volunteers in Batanes who are committed and eager to assist in times of crises. Our support for all our chapters is steadfast, and we want to do more so we can help more,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said.
“We aim to bolster our Batanes chapter’s assets to improve their operational capacity and response efficiency.”
“Even with limited resources, our volunteers and staff on the ground have helped communities safeguard their homes, provided first aid treatment, and distributed medication to those affected by the typhoon. We thank them for their dedication to saving lives. In return, we aim to bolster our Batanes chapter’s assets to improve their operational capacity and response efficiency,” PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added.
Previously, the PRC delivered 1,280 CGI sheets to repair the roofs of three schools in the Calayan Islands, namely Babuyan Claro Integrated School, Dalupiri Elementary School, at Banua-Pilid Integrated School, after they were damaged by Typhoon Egay in August 2023.
The PRC also sent relief packs, distributed clean water, as well provided shelter tool kits to help residents affected by the 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Batanes last July 2019.
Moreover, the PRC has served hot meals to 589 individuals in evacuation centers in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra. Medicines have been distributed to 154 evacuees in Ilocos Norte, with doxycycline given to 102 people.
