Philippine Red Cross ramps up relief operations as 'Uwan' exits PAR
Nearly 1,000 volunteers deployed; thousands assisted nationwide
The Philippine Red Cross intensifies relief and recovery efforts after Typhoon Uwan exits PAR, deploying nearly 1,000 volunteers nationwide. (Photo from PH Red Cross)
Although Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Tuesday, November 11, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to intensify its relief and recovery operations in provinces hardest hit by the storm.
According to PRC’s latest situation report, the organization has mobilized 949 volunteers and multiple response units across Luzon and the Visayas to support displaced families and communities still reeling from Typhoon Uwan’s aftermath.
Medical and rescue services
PRC’s Safety Services set up 46 first aid stations in affected provinces, monitored the vital signs of 692 individuals, treated 21 injured patients, and transported four others to hospitals using eight ambulances.
Meanwhile, Emergency Response Units (ERUs) assisted 247 individuals in Batangas and Negros Occidental, helping them move from high-risk areas to evacuation centers. Clearing operations were also completed in Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya.
Shelter and food aid
PRC’s Disaster Management Services (DMS) distributed 65 shelter-strengthening kits to affected families in Isabela and Quirino. Food rations were also provided in Tarlac, while 22 rapid damage assessment and needs analyses (RDANAs) were conducted in Camarines Sur and Catanduanes.
The Welfare Services division established 41 welfare desks in evacuation centers, providing psychological first aid to 1,234 individuals and setting up child-friendly spaces for 2,700 children. A total of 21 food trucks served 24,124 hot meals, along with 2,399 bread donations to families in need.
Health and sanitation response
PRC’s Health Services deployed seven doctors and 31 nurses who conducted medical consultations and distributed medicines to 284 patients.
To prevent disease outbreaks, 1,248 individuals received doxycycline prophylaxis against leptospirosis, while 1,613 face masks were distributed across Pasay, Pangasinan, Laguna, Rizal, and Kalinga.
In addition, PRC’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) unit provided 754 bottles of water in Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan, distributed 300 hygiene kits in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, and Tarlac, and conducted hygiene promotion activities reaching nearly 1,915 people.
Water distribution efforts have also begun in Valenzuela, where 692 liters have already been delivered.
Continuous monitoring and coordination
To ensure uninterrupted communication, PRC chapters are maintaining contact through 18 radio units, supported by satellite phones and Starlink connectivity, especially in areas without Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Teams continue to monitor river overflows and shelter damage, particularly in coastal communities.
‘Far from over’
PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard “Dick” Gordon emphasized that even though Typhoon Uwan has left PAR, the Red Cross remains steadfast in its mission to help affected communities recover.
“The typhoon may have left PAR, but there are still many parts of the country reeling from its effects,” Gordon said. “PRC’s work isn’t done until those affected are fully safe and capable of standing back up again on their own two feet,” he added.
How to help
The Philippine Red Cross continues to call for donations to support families affected by Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) and Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi).
Donations can be made through the official PRC website: https://redcross.org.ph/ways-to-donate/
(Courtesy of PH Red Cross)