No letup in Red Cross relief efforts in quake-hit Surigao

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has continued to provide relief assistance and psychosocial support to victims of the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao City last February 10. (Photo: Philippine Red Cross/Facebook)

MANILA—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has continued to provide relief assistance and psychosocial support to victims of the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao City last February 10.

The PRC has since Feb. 15 distributed 76,500 liters of water to the victims after the quake severely damaged the water system of Surigao City and its neighboring municipalities.

“We need to continue the provision of relief assistance to the citizens of Surigao, and this includes water. There is no way that people can function well and survive without a steady supply of water for drinking and for other household needs,” Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo has said.

“Water is essential to survival,” said PRC chairman Richard Gordon. “Survivors can go on food for a few days, as long as they have water. We have been water tankering since February 14. Yesterday (Sunday), we did water tankering in Brgy. Sabang, Surigao City, and in Brgy. San Isidro, Sison. We also did water and sanitation assessment in Caraga Regional Hospital and Brgy. Sabang. As of Feb. 19, we have distributed 76,500 liters of water.”

Besides water, the Red Cross has donated family tents, plastic mats, mosquito nets, mosquito traps, blankets, hygiene kits, jerry cans, and canned goods, such as sardines.

Surigao City remains under a state of calamity. The earthquake has killed eight people and injured 197 others. Currently, 4,786 families or 7,744 individuals are trying to recover from the tragedy.

“The Philippine Red Cross will continue giving water, relief goods, medical assistance, and psychosocial support to help with the recovery and rebuilding of the communities affected by the earthquake in Surigao,” said Gordon.