The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in a statement today reminded the public to take precautions against flooding and landslides, which are possible effects of the southwest monsoon. PAGASA, the state weather bureau, says in its Monthly Climate Assessment Outlook for August 2022 that southwest monsoon is among the weather systems likely to affect the country this month.
Already, various parts of the country, such as Cebu and Manila and other parts of Luzon have experienced flooding in recent weeks because of heavy rains. PAGASA also reported today that a Low Pressure Area was detected east of Central Luzon. LPAs and tropical cyclones exacerbate the effects of southwest monsoon.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon reiterated the importance of families’ and communities’ being ready for any risk of a hazard. “Kailangan nating tandaan ang 4 Ps: Predict – Alamin natin ang mga posibleng panganib na tatama sa ating lugar. Plan – Alamin natin kung paano naghahanda ang ating barangay at ano ang gagawin nila sakaling dumating ang kalamidad. Prepare – Maghanda ng emergency bag na may pagkain, tubig, gamot, at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan. Sumunod tayo sa mga awtoridad kung tayo ay pinapalikas na. Practise – Magsanay kasama ang pamilya at mga ka-barangay kung ano ang gagawin sakaling may sakuna.
The PRC services, chapters, and volunteers have been alerted earlier this year to be ready to respond to any emergency or disaster. Consistent with its objective to save lives and its mantra of Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology = a Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready, Always There, the PRC’s emergency response units, rescue vehicles, and other response equipment are prepared for deployment if needed.
