THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has sent emergency responders and medical teams to give medical assistance to the people of Surigao City, after a 6.7-magnitude earthquake shook the province last Friday evening.
“Our sympathy goes out to Surigao City. During these tough times, we assure aid and proper responses are delivered immediately. We have dispatched two ambulances, a water tanker, six water bladders, four generator sets, two onion tanks and water, sanitation and hygiene [WASH] equipment to augment the lack of water supply and electricity. Additional PRC assessment and operation teams from nearest chapters have been deployed, along with immediate relief supplies. Our teams in the nearby provinces are all on standby in case more manpower is needed,” PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon said.
Based on initial reports, more than 300 houses were damaged and 100 people injured after the full impact of the earthquake Friday evening. Most of the patients attended to by PRC volunteers suffered high-blood pressure, difficulty of breathing, abrasion and other minor injuries.
The PRC Operations Center said health, first-aid and welfare staff and volunteers from nearby provinces were immediately deployed to assess the area and help the affected families. In response, the PRC Surigao del Norte chapter provided first aid to injured patients, has set up five family tents for children, lactating mothers, senior citizens and persons with disability.
The local chapter also assisted in the transport of patients from Caraga hospital to other nearby Department of Health health facilities, set up two welfare desks and conducted psychosocial support to 15 persons in Caraga Regional Hospital.
Some 70 family tents and more than 2,000 blankets from the PRCMandaluyong warehouse will be distributed to the families.
PRC Surigao del Norte said the chapter blood bank has an adequate supply of blood and will readily provide blood to those in need.
To date, power supply has been restored to some barangays in Taft, Washinton, San Juan, Saluna and some portions of Surigao City. Water supply has been cut off due to damaged pipelines. Also, the collapsed Anao-aon Bridge is now passable to light vehicles only. Surigao airport’s runway suffered cracks and authorities have temporarily suspended airport operations due to the damaged runway.
Surigao City is now under a state of calamity as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).
“This earthquake reminds us to be always on guard and prepared for any eventuality. People should have knowledge on how to survive during an earthquake to help lessen the risk of casualty,” Gordon said.
The PRC will continue to monitor the situation in Surigao City in order to extend further assistance and much-needed help.