At A Glance
- The PCG rescued and evacuated more than 15,800 residents from flood-hit communities across Luzon.
- The operations were conducted with local disaster offices as intensified "habagat" rains caused widespread flooding.
- Personnel, floating assets, vehicles, and rescue equipment were positioned near high-risk areas.
(PCG PHOTO)
More than 15,800 residents across Luzon were rescued and evacuated by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as intensified rains from the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” caused widespread flooding in several provinces.
The PCG said its teams conducted simultaneous rescue operations and preemptive evacuations in coordination with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.
“Our ongoing efforts are supported by the anticipatory deployment of personnel, floating assets, land vehicles, and rescue equipment to strategic locations,” Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the spokesperson of PCG, said in a statement on Monday, Aug. 31.
(PCG PHOTO)
According to the PCG, the advance deployment of its resources allowed response teams to reach communities affected by flooding more quickly.
“These capabilities allow us to position response units closer to high-risk communities, shortening the time needed to reach families requiring assistance,” Cayabyab added.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan credited the Coast Guard’s continuing modernization and additional equipment and personnel for its improved disaster preparedness.
Also, he cited the provision of a Quick Response Fund, which enables the agency to address operational gaps and sustain its emergency response efforts.