Article by:
Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has placed its chapters in Mindanao on heightened alert after heavy rains caused by the prevailing shear line triggered flooding and a landslide in parts of Surigao del Sur, Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental early Friday.
In a news release, PRC chair and chief executive officer Richard Gordon ordered continuous monitoring and rapid response operations in affected areas.
In Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, floodwaters reached waist to chest levels, prompting evacuation activities. About 143 volunteers assisted residents in moving to safer areas as water levels rose.
A landslide was reported in Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, Davao de Oro, where the PRC Emergency Response Unit retrieved three fatalities. Emergency medical services and search and rescue teams remained in Purok 5.
Flooding was also monitored in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, where 14 individuals were evacuated as a precaution.
Authorities were conducting further assessment to ensure the safety of residents and responders. Coordination with local disaster risk reduction and management offices was ongoing as of posting time.
PRC chapters have set up welfare desks in evacuation centers to support affected families.
The Davao de Oro Chapter started distributing hot meals at Basak and Magsaysay evacuation centers, while hygiene promotion sessions have reached 160 individuals in Magsaysay.
Volunteers and chapter responders were on standby, with supplies, equipment and vehicles prepositioned.
“We do not wait for disasters to overwhelm our people. We prepare, we anticipate, and we act swiftly,” Gordon said.
PRC secretary general Gwen Pang said relief operations were being strengthened as assessments continue, with chapters fully mobilized to provide immediate assistance.
The PRC said it will continue to monitor the situation as heavy rains persist and will release additional updates as response operations progress. (PNA)
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