Through its continuous recovery operations, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has given aid to more than 6,000 individuals affected by severe tropical storm “Maring” - particularly in Northern Luzon.

PRC has been providing assistance to hundreds of affected families and communities in six different provinces including Palawan, Baguio, Abra, La Union, Benguet, and Ilocos Sur.

PRC distributed mattresses to 24 families as well as provided bottled water and bread to 100 individuals in Baguio where 44 houses were damaged by “Maring.”

In Abra, PRC's local chapter provided bottled water and bread to 1,000 individuals and distributed hygiene kits to 165 people.

In Palawan, the the local PRC chapter also deployed a team to distribute bottles of clean drinking water and hot meals to 425 individuals affected by “Maring” in Barangay Aramaywan and Barangay Malinao Narra.

Amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country, face masks were also distributed to 100 people to ensure that health protocols are observed. PRC also provided 100 people with clothing in affected communities in Palawan.

In Benguet, PRC staff and volunteers distributed hygiene kits to 29 people and gave psychosocial first aid to four individuals.

PRC volunteers and staff waded through ankle- and waist-deep waters to provide hot meals to 935 individuals in the municipalities of San Fernando, Luna, and Bangar in La Union. It also provided clean water to 3,288 individuals with its water tankers.

In Ilocos Sur, 13 individuals were saved by PRC and evacuated as waters flooded the Municipalities of Narvacan, Sta. Maria, and Tagudin.

“Even before storms like Maring hit communities in our country, the Philippine Red Cross already prepares for the worst,” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Dick Gordon said.

“Despite the ongoing pandemic, we will continue to be at the forefront of providing aid to the most vulnerable,” he added.