As part of its swift response to calamities, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday, Oct. 1, announced that it has provided hot meals and medicines to many people affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon and Super Typhoon Julian (international name: Krathon).

Citing reports from its local chapters, the PRC noted that “Julian,” which developed into a super typhoon, battered five provinces in Northern Luzon, affecting around 450 families or approximately 1,600 individuals.

As of 11 a.m., the PRC reported that 1,386 families or 1,537 individuals are seeking temporary shelter in 24 evacuation centers in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Batanes, Abra, and Baguio City.

Being among the hardest hit, the PRC stated that its Ilocos Norte Chapter immediately mobilized its staff to assist civilians seeking safety in evacuation centers.

“So far, a total of 194 displaced individuals in three evacuation centers in the province have been served hot meals,” the PRC said in a statement.

Moreover, the PRC noted that medicines have also been distributed to 72 evacuees, while health lectures on leptospirosis and other diseases have been given to 25 participants.

“Welfare desks and first aid stations have also been established to address people’s concerns,” the PRC said.

‘Always first, always ready, always there’

The PRC noted that volunteer responders from the PRC Batanes Chapter have also conducted first aid treatment for people wounded in the aftermath of the strong winds and floods.

“Since heavy rains are still expected in the coming days, flooding remains a threat,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon said.

Gordon also noted that all emergency response units (ERU) of concerned chapters are on standby, and their respective RC143 volunteers have been mobilized to support operations on the ground.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang said, “Our chapters are also actively coordinating with their local governments to conduct rapid damage assessments and needs analysis (RDANA) reports to ensure the safety of communities in their areas of responsibility.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Julian” has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but may re-enter the country’s area of responsibility on Oct. 2.