QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has deployed more than 26,000 personnel and extensive resources for rescue operations in response to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which primarily impacted the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas Wednesday, October 23.
This initiative is part of the BFP’s OPLAN PAGHALASA (Oplan Paghahanda Laban sa Sakuna) and its role within the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) response cluster.
The 26,101 personnel mobilized include 21,278 fire engine crew members, 1,984 units from the Special Rescue Force (SRF), and 2,839 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.
The BFP also has 2,956 land assets on standby, consisting of 2,645 fire trucks, 72 rescue trucks, and 239 ambulances.
Currently, 504 evacuation centers are being monitored by the agency, providing shelter for 88,433 individuals from 27,417 families.
Reports indicate that 941 barangays have experienced flooding, and 48 landslides have been recorded.
In collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the BFP has conducted 33 augmentation operations, successfully transporting 7,245 relief goods.
As part of the NDRRMC alert status and OPLAN PAGHALASA, BFP personnel have rescued 244 individuals, while 10 remain unaccounted for. All available assets are prepared for deployment to meet urgent needs and respond to NDRRMC requests.
The BFP has maintained a FULL ALERT (Code Red) status since October 22, 2024, ready to assist not only with rescue and relief distribution but also with clearing operations, water rationing, and health monitoring in evacuation centers.
For immediate assistance, rescue services can be accessed through the National Emergency Hotline at 911. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
(Photos: BFP Region 5 Facebook)
