The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday, Sept. 3, appealed for donations to support those affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and Tropical Storm Enteng (internationally named Yagi).
"Just a month after Super Typhoon Carina, another storm has hit us, with the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Enteng causing massive flooding and landslides," said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon in a statement.
The recent disasters, Gordon said, have not only disrupted the daily lives of many communities but have also claimed lives. "We are appealing to everyone to donate any amount they can so that we can enhance our relief efforts for all those affected," he added.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang said the donations will help reinforce the organization’s capacity to provide food, water, and other necessities to the affected communities.
The donations, she added, will also strengthen PRC’s resources and assets for rescue and response, as well as provide health services as the affected individuals recover from the disaster. "We ask everyone to unite with us in this effort," Pang said.
PRC has listed its official bank accounts for donations.
Relief efforts
As of 1 p.m. on Sept. 3, PRC said it had distributed hot meals (arroz caldo, etc.) to 1,314 individuals in evacuation centers in Masbate, Marikina, Valenzuela, Pasig, Northern Samar, and Quezon City.
Donuts from PRC’s partner have also been distributed to 1,383 evacuees in Marikina.
Additionally, PRC noted that seven welfare desks and seven first aid stations—located in Negros Occidental, Sorsogon, Cavite, Marikina, Valenzuela, and Pasig—have been set up to accommodate the health and welfare needs of the affected individuals.
PRC also provided psychological first aid to 255 persons in Marikina and conducted health promotion activities for 296 people in Valenzuela.
Four ambulances have been mobilized in Negros Occidental, Sorsogon, Cavite, and Muntinlupa, PRC said.
As of 2 p.m., PRC reported that over 140 evacuation centers remain open, housing 7,055 families or 30,235 individuals in Cebu, Cavite, Rizal, Camarines Norte, and Metro Manila.