The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has responded to typhoon Gener (international code name Saola) that has hit the country over the weekend.

PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon has directed PRC operation center at the PRC headquarters and all chapters affected to monitor the situation round the clock and provide all necessary humanitarian assistance needed by the affected families.

Chapters in the affected areas, especially in flood prone provinces mobilized their Red Cross 143 volunteers, rescue teams, medical teams, and pre-positioned their life-saving vehicles and equipment such as rubber boats, ambulances, generators, as well as relief supplies.

PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang reported actions taken by the following chapters:

PRC Rizal Chapter – Paranaque Branch conducted relief operation serving a total of 467 individuals from 171 families mostly from Ka Buboy Bridge and Floating Village in San Dionisio. Red Cross 143 volunteers in Tambo were deployed in affected areas to assess needs of affected families. Red Cross provided hot meals in the municipality of San Mateo, covering barangays Sta. Ana, Guinayang and Malanday.

In Navotas, local Red Cross chapter assisted in the preemptive evacuation of 78 families and distributed hygiene kits. Red Cross 143 volunteers in Navotas were mobilized to assess the situation in the affected areas.

In Baseco, PRC Emergency Response Unit (ERU) Medic 1 and Emergency 1 conducted ocular inspection in Happy Land, Baseco compound and facilitated preemptive evacuation.

In Bulacan, local Red Cross chapter assisted in the evacuation of 37 families in the municipalities of Obando and Marilao. Likewise, water level of Angat, Ipo and Bustos are being monitored.

As of July 30, municipalities of Obando, Balagtas, Meycauayan, Marilao and calumpit are flooded. PRC-Bulacan Chapter is continuously monitoring the situation with its 143 volunteers.

In Romblon, the local Red Cross assisted in the rescue operation of the local government unit, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other active non-government organization during the sea mishap along Looc Bay involving 57 passengers and 47 crew members. The survivors were evacuated at Romblon State University, Odiongan, Romblon and PRC Chapter provided snack to the survivors.

The PRC also continues to monitor situation in the provinces of Laguna, Cavite and Pangasinan.

Ready for deployment are amphibians, rubber boats, 6X6 trucks, ambulances, tents, tower lights and generators. Relief supplies have also been readied to be sent to the affected areas should the need arises.