PRC continues aid for Mayon-affected residents

SAFE FROM MAYON. Some 337 families taking refuge at the Gabawan Elementary School in Daraga, Albay receive aid from the Philippine Red Cross on Wednesday (January 24, 2018). (Photo courtesy of PRC)

MANILA — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) had distributed relief items to 337 families taking shelter at the Gabawan Elementary School in Daraga, Albay after they were displaced by Mayon Volcano’s eruption.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, PRC said the relief goods consisted of tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, plastic mats, hygiene kits, and jerry cans, which had been identified as priority needs of the evacuees.

In the same post, the humanitarian organization also thanked Australian Aid for its donations.

Meanwhile, aside from basic necessities, the PRC also addressed the psychosocial needs of the evacuees, especially the children.

“To reduce anxiety and stress caused by the looming eruption, our volunteers and staff from our Albay chapter, in partnership with the Energy Development Corp., conducted games and film viewing at the Gogon Elementary School in Legazpi, Albay,” PRC said.

Urging those living near the volcano to wear dust masks or anything that would protect them from the harmful emissions from volcanic ash, the PRC had provided thousands of dust masks, 60 goggles, and 300 N95 masks.

Through its volunteers, it also promoted hygiene among 1,153 individuals in various evacuation centers in Albay.

The organization likewise installed five water bladders to provide the evacuees clean and safe water, and deployed three water tankers, two hot meals on wheels, three trucks and one radio team with communication equipment to the affected areas.

PRC’s two million volunteers nationwide provide round-the-clock humanitarian assistance, especially to the most vulnerable.