PCG sends water purification units to Masbate for post-Opong relief
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday, Sept. 29, that it has deployed two mobile desalinators to Masbate to help address the urgent need for safe drinking water in communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Opong”.
The desalinators are manned by PCG operators and technicians, and each one is capable of producing up to 10,000 liters of potable water per day, providing a combined capacity of 20,000 liters daily.
“Ensuring access to safe drinking water is one of the most urgent humanitarian needs in the aftermath of a typhoon,” said PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan.
“The deployment of our mobile water purification units reflects the Coast Guard’s continuing commitment to protect lives and support the resilience of communities during times of crisis,” he furthered.
In coordination with the local disaster risk reduction and management office in Masbate, the PCG ensured the proper deployment and utilization of the mobile desalinators for the benefit of the residents.
More than 3.4 million individuals were affected by Opong, Super Typhoon “Nando,” Tropical Depression “Marisol,” and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) across 16 regions, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Of those affected, around 88,000 individuals were in Masbate. More than 42,000 were displaced, including 20,000 who were being sheltered in 259 evacuation centers.
Meanwhile, the PCG confirmed that no more stranded passengers, vessels, rolling cargoes, or motorbancas were monitored in all ports nationwide as of 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.
“All shipping and fishing operations have resumed their normal operations,” the agency said.