The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) deployed water tankers to different areas in Negros Oriental and Cebu as part of the humanitarian organization's continuous efforts for communities hit by Typhoon Odette, it said on Thursday, Jan. 13.
PRC said that of the total 217,974 liters given, 30,000 liters were distributed in an evacuation center in Bais.
"No matter the circumstances, we will continue what we do best – give hope and save lives," PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sen. Dick Gordon said in a statement.
Apart from this, PRC also packed 800 food items for distribution in partnership with the Iloilo Federation Fire Brigade, while relief items for 441 families were delivered to Brgy. Owacan, Jimalalud.
To date, more than 8,662 individuals in Negros Oriental have received humanitarian aid from the Red Cross and its partners.
Meanwhile, PRC also continues to send its water tankers to different communities in Cebu.
"Every day, we continue to deploy our water tankers to disaster-affected communities to provide timely and efficient support," Gordon said.
On Thursday (Jan. 13), PRC Cebu Chapter deployed a tanker to distribute 5,000 liters of water each to Sitio Laray and Sitio Socorro, in Kamputhaw, and Sitio Fatima and Brgy. Apas in Cebu City.
Meanwhile, PRC Lapu-Lapu Chapter distributed water to 104 families at Pusok Elementary School Evacuation Center and 986 families at Sitio Sta. Maria Brgy. Pusok, Lapu-Lapu. Teams from the chapter have also set up a first aid station and a welfare desk to cater to those staying in evacuation centers in Brgy. Ibo, Pusok, and Brgy. Buaya.
As of Jan. 12, the PRC Cebu Chapter has distributed 614,750 liters of water while PRC Lapu-Lapu has distributed 65,000 liters of water to Odette-affected communities.
“One of the first responses we have in any dire situation is the provision of water. With PRC’s fleet of water tankers and water facilities, we are able to service several communities at once,” Gordon said.