19 October 2016, Philippines/Viet Nam - The Philippine Red Cross is mounting preparedness efforts as Typhoon Haima gains strength, and could possibly develop into a super typhoon later this week before making landfall over the Cagayan area. The typhoon is expected to hit the area early Thursday (20 October) morning. Haima, which developed right after Typhoon Sarika exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), could have significant humanitarian impact if it continues on its projected course across northern and central Luzon – the same areas struck by Typhoon Koppu last year.
Philippine Red Cross’ emergency response teams, staff, and volunteers in 40 chapters are on high alert, with Water Search and Rescue Teams, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion Teams, Health units, and other equipment ready for deployment.
Typhoon Haima poses a serious threat to local food security, as Central Luzon is where most of the country’s rice is grown. The country’s major river and catch basins are also located in Luzon, which could overflow if heavy rains continue.
The Philippine Red Cross Disaster Management Services is working closely with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to pre-position essential items including tarpaulins and essential non-food items (jerry cans, blankets, sleeping mats, hygiene kits and mosquito nets) for 20,000 families.
IFRC communication officer, Mary Joy Evalarosa, is being deployed with a photographer to Luzon and can be reached at +639 989 606 291.
Meanwhile, communities still recovering from floods in Viet Nam are bracing for the potential impact of Typhoon Sarika, which is projected to hit the northern part of the country within the next 36 hours. Earlier this week, Sarika left thousands of families in the Philippines in need of humanitarian assistance, after strong winds and heavy rainfall caused flooding in several areas. In preparation for the typhoon, the Viet Nam Red Cross has mobilized its National Disaster Response Team to provide relief and assistance should the need arise.
IFRC Communication and Community Engagement Officer, Ly Nguyen, will be available to arrange for interviews. She can be reached at +84 1662900769
For updates, please follow @IFRCAsiaPacific and go to https://www.ifrc.org/asia-pacific
For interviews and media inquiries, contact:
In Manila:
· Richard Gordon, Chairman, Philippine Red Cross
Phone: +63 (0) 917 899 7898; Email: chairman@redcross.org.ph
· Kari Isomaa, Head of Country Office, IFRC Philippine Country Office
Phone: +63 (0) 928 559 7170; Email: kari.isomaa@ifrc.org
In Luzon:
· Mary Joy Evalarosa, Communications Officer, IFRC Philippine Country Office
Phone: +63 (0) 998 960 6291; Email: maryjoy.evalarosa@ifrc.org
In Vietnam:
· Ly Nguyen, IFRC Communication and Community Engagement Officer for Country Cluster Support Team (Mekong)
Phone: + 84 1662900769; Email: ly.nguyen@ifrc.org
· Van Nguyen, Manager, DP Programme Vietnam, IFRC Country Office
Email : van.nguyen@ifrc.org