The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) announced on Thursday, Sept. 26, that it has heightened its readiness in anticipation of the La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to intensify the arrival of four to seven tropical cyclones in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the final quarter of 2024.

Citing the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), the PRC emphasized that a weak or borderline La Niña phenomenon from this month until May of next year should not be overlooked, as it could lead to the intensification of an additional four to seven typhoons expected to enter the country this year.

“We must emphasize that, historically, based on PAGASA's data, when there was a weak La Niña, we were hit with more super typhoons in the months of September, October, November, and December,” said Ana Liza Solis, chief of the climate monitoring and prediction section of the DOST-PAGASA climatology and agrometeorology division.

PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard “Dick” Gordon emphasized the importance of the 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice, to effectively respond to disasters and emergencies.

“At the Red Cross, we practice the 4Ps because we need to be ahead of every disaster,” he said. “We make planning and preparation our way of life. As we forecast ahead of every disaster, we also help build resilient communities and transform their involvement in disaster risk reduction,” he added.

As part of its early preparations, Gordon reiterated that the PRC is continuously monitoring the situation around the clock and is poised to deploy its two million Red Cross 143 volunteers across the country, along with mobilizing its high-quality resources.

“To ensure food and water supplies during floods, we will intensify our hot meal and water distribution efforts, along with other humanitarian services in affected areas,” Gordon said. “We are also strengthening our health promotion seminars to safeguard vulnerable communities from flood-related diseases,” he added.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang highlighted the significance of self-reliance during the critical 72 hours following a disaster.

“Don’t wait for a disaster to strike; prepare your Go Bag now with essentials to sustain you and your family for three days,” Pang said. “It will be much more challenging to gather items in a rush, so proactive preparation is key,” she added.

The PRC advised that a “Go Bag” should include essential items such as drinking water, non-perishable food, eating utensils, a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit with essential medications, personal documents (including IDs and bank records), personal hygiene products (such as soap, a toothbrush, and sanitary items), a whistle, candles with matches, clothing, shoes, blankets, mats, and trash bags.

For rescue and other emergency inquiries, the public can reach the PRC by calling their 24/7 hotline at 143.