The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Saturday, Oct. 31, expressed readiness to respond as needed, with typhoon “Rolly” (with international name: Goni) expected to hit the country with heavy rains and strong winds up to 215kph this weekend.

PRC said that it is beefing up its disaster management services—through its local chapters—as all rescue vehicles, logistic hubs, and emergency response units are ready for the typhoon.

The PRC has also prepositioned first aid volunteers, emergency response teams, and relief items, and are assisting communities ahead of the typhoon’s expected landfall in central Luzon, northeast of Manila, on Nov. 1, Sunday.

The organization has also alerted all its 104 chapters to regularly report the situation in their areas to be able to deliver immediate response and forecast-based action ones “Rolly” hits the communities. The PRC Operation Center hotline 143 will be active 24/7 to answer calls.

PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon meanwhile encouraged everyone to be “equipped with kits and food relief, and be vigilant through their communication line to keep track of the typhoon’s run.”

“Three storms have consecutively affected the country this month alone and now a potential super typhoon is heading our way,” Gordon said. “We are determined to do all we can to help these communities prepare for the oncoming storm,” he added.

Gordon also reminded the public to “predict, plan, prepare, and practice” for a disaster. “We will be responsive to these back to back catastrophes,” he said. “PRC vows its rescue teams and emergency vehicles prior to any havoc, because Red Cross is the lifeline of the people,” he added.

Citing information from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), PRC said that typhoon “Rolly” would bring light to moderate with heavy rains once it passes the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), classifying it as a signal no. 3 or no. 4 typhoon. It is also expected to affect areas in North and Central Luzon, including the Bicol Region, Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

PRC added that the weather bureau also noted that another typhoon, “Siony” (international name: Atsani), is being monitored outside PAR.
“In situations like this, preparedness is the best defense,” Gordon said. “This is even more important when we are faced with multiple disasters, including COVID-19 and successive typhoons,” he added.

This October, three typhoons, “Ofel,” “Pepito,” and “Quinta,” have affected the Philippines in a consecutive run. PRC has deployed teams in response to these weather disturbances by providing assistance during pre-emptive evacuations, giving out hot meals to stranded individuals, and helping local government units in the clearing operations.

Ahead of the expected landfall, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has released a Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to support the operations of the Philippine Red Cross.

“We have to simultaneously respond to climate and health emergencies,” said IFRC Head of Philippine Country Office Robert Kaufman. The Red Cross, he added, is working to help communities prepare and ensure that they will be protected from COVID-19 transmission. “We must respond to these disasters in ways that also help prevent the spread of the virus during evacuations,” he ended.