Philippine Red Cross on High Alert for TS ‘Lawin’, Activates Volunteers and Logistics Assets

In anticipation of typhoon Lawin’s (international name Haima) possible massive impact, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has activated its volunteers for monitoring, rescue and operation with its logistics assets of rescue boats, amphibian and ambulances prepositioned for deployment.

According to reports, Typhoon Lawin has maximum sustained winds of 185kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230kph.

It is expected to make landfall over Cagayan in Northern Luzon on Thursday morning and will cross Apayao and Ilocos Norte. Strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected to affect the whole northern and central Luzon.

Coming in after Typhoon Karen and just a month after Typhoon Ferdie, Lawin is expected to cross almost the same path as the two typhoon before it, and is expected to cause landslides, flooding and displacement of families. It could have massive impact in portions of Luzon if it escalates into a super typhoon in the coming days.

“Typhoon Lawin could be one of the most damaging typhoon so far this year, so we are doing our share of preparations in the Philippine Red Cross. Our chapters in areas that will be or may be affected greatly by the typhoon are already on high alert. We have already activated all our volunteers, responders and rescuers and they are ready to provide humanitarian assistance any time,” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon.

So far, PRC’s emergency response team, community health volunteers and trained responders, chapter staff and 143 volunteers, are on standby for possible deployment with water and sanitation equipment and logistics.

Nearest to the possible affected areas is PRC’s Subic Warehouse, ready to deliver immediate relief such as non-food items, provisions for shelter and health including an Emergency Field Hospital should the need arises. Also in place are Blood Banks that have already been alerted and ready to provide blood.

Water search and rescue teams, payloaders and water tankers have also been put on standby for rapid response in Northern Luzon and Central Luzon.

The first deployment team were already deployed for possible actions earlier today, Oct. 18, with two more teams to be deployed tomorrow.

PRC’s Disaster Management Services is in close coordination with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in preparing assistance measures and relief in areas where Lawin is expected to make landfall. PRC, supported by the Movement Partners, is ready to provide immediate response, monitoring and assessment in areas that will be affected by typhoon Lawin. (PNA) JMC/PR/EBP