PH Red Cross gears up for Typhoon Jolina

MANILA – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) alerted its local chapters to stay vigilant and prepare for any disturbance as Typhoon Jolina has made landfall over Dimasalang, Masbate, and is now traversing over mainland Masbate as of press time.

“Predict, plan, prepare and practice – this is how we work in the Red Cross. We predict what could happen, given the facts and weather reports. We plan and prepare based on these scenarios. Whatever we do, we practice so our volunteers and staff will have that instinct and will know what to do during these situations,” PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon said in a media release Tuesday.

PRC is beefing up its disaster management services through its local chapters as all rescue vehicles, logistic hubs, and emergency response units are ready for situations like this.

The PRC proposes also these three easy steps to prepare the household during a typhoon:
1. Build a disaster kit that contains supplies for about three days (72 hours).
– a gallon of water per person per day
– non-perishable food
– a flashlight and extra batteries
– a first aid kit, medications
– copies of important documents
– other items for young children such as diapers, and for family members with special medical needs
2. Prepare an emergency plan and make sure that everyone in the household knows about it
3. Stay informed and updated by listening to news and local authorities

Gordon has directed the deployment of assets and resources of the PRC Chapters that are directly affected by “Jolina”:

– The PRC Hilongos Chapter has mobilized 4 manpower for assessment in Brgy. Matapay regarding a tornado incident.

– PRC Masbate Chapter is having ongoing coordination with the Local Government for reported preemptive evacuation centers in Masbate National Comprehensive High School, Jose Zurbito Sr. Elementary School, Amancio Aguilar Elementary School, Restituta Z. Medina Elementary School

– PRC Iloilo Chapter deployed an assessment team for reported flash floods in Miagao.

– In Biliran, PRC mobilized RC143 volunteers in Bool East, Culaba, Biliran to conduct clearing operations.

– In Eastern Samar, PRC deployed 2 teams with 8 manpower for assessment in the southern portion of the province.

– Meanwhile in Negros Occidental, PRC is having ongoing coordination with the LGU on reported flooded areas and pre-emptive evacuation centers in Pontevedra, particularly Brgy. Cambarus and Brgy. San Isidro.

– PRC Western Samar is also having ongoing coordination and validation with LGUs and volunteers for reported damages and evacuation centers in Catbalogan City.

– PRC Chapters that are on standby and alert status include Aurora, Laguna, Lapu-Lapu/Cordova, Northern Samar, CamSur, CamNorte, Mindoro Oriental, Leyte, and Sorsogon. (PR)