The Makati City local government deployed some of its search and rescue teams to the Bicol region to assist in the province's relief and rescue operations following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
"Makati stands in solidarity with our kababayans in the Bicol Region. We are always ready to help other localities in every way possible in times of disaster,” Makati Mayor Abby Binay said.
Led by the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 27 personnel which included technical search and rescue responders and emergency medical services responders were sent to the region equipped with a complete set of Water Search and Rescue Equipment.
These include steel boats/rubber boats, medical equipment, high angle Search and Rescue equipment, and personal protective equipment. They also brought other self-sustaining assets, such as generator sets, Urban Search and Rescue shelter.
The Makati DRRMO also brought four rescue vehicles, two basic life support ambulances, and a canter truck.
Police Regional Office 5 director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said at least 20 people died while four others were reported missing during the onslaught of the storm in Bicol region as of Thursday, Oct. 24.
He added that most of the fatalities died of drowning as the weather disturbance triggered widespread deep flooding especially in Albay and Camarines Sur.
Dizon said the most fatalities were reported in Naga City with seven, followed by five in Catanduanes, and four in Albay, adding that there were one fatality each in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Masbate.
The four reported missing were in Masbate with two, and one each in Albay and Camarines Sur.
Rescue operations in the region are still ongoing as of Friday, October 25.