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PH Red Cross continues to assist 'Maring'-affected communities in La Union
PH Red Cross continues to assist 'Maring'-affected communities in La Union
Weeks after Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Maring” left the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to assist communities in La Union, especially those who were affected by the serious flooding in the province.
“Hindi natin pababayaan ang mga taong nangangailangan ng tulong lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya (We will not neglect people who need help especially during a pandemic), PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon.
As of Oct. 25, PRC relief operations are still ongoing to provide immediate assistance to affected families by “Maring” nationwide --- including La Union.
“Kaya patuloy ang Philippine Red Cross sa pagtulong sa mga most vulnerable upang mabawasan ang kanilang paghihirap (That is why the Philippine Red Cross continues to help the most vulnerable to alleviate their suffering),” he added.
On Oct. 15, the provincial government of La Union declared the province under a state of calamity by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 1413 due to devastation caused by “Maring.”
Gordon immediately ordered the deployment of the Humanitarian Caravan to the province at the height of severe tropical storm.
The humanitarian caravan included a 6x6 truck, a rescue boat, a command post, a rescue vehicle, and a food truck.
Food items were distributed to provide immediate relief to the victims which included 350 kilos of rice, 100 cans of sardines, 100 cans of beef loaf, and 100 cans of tuna.
PRC said that “Maring” affected 10 provinces, 127 municipalities, and 1,920 barangay composed of 100,241 families or 400,401 individuals.
Through its local chapters, PRC assisted the affected communities in rescue and relief operations, including in La Union, which was severely hit --- particularly its agricultural products worth P369.3 million in damages.
PRC provided the province of La Union with 1,839 bottles of water, 649 sets of clothing, 331 kitchen sets, 331 plastic mats, 1,000 mosquito nets, 1,000 jerry cans, and 1,000 blankets for 500 families.
Hot meals were also provided to 6,226 individuals, psychosocial support, a child-friendly space to 167 individuals, and first aid management to 276 individuals.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, PRC also distributed 1,347 face masks, 550 hygiene kits, and conducted hygiene promotion for 610 individuals to ensure the safety of the beneficiaries.