QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has activated its Deployable Response Groups (DRGs) to bolster search and rescue efforts in the Bicol region amid the devastation in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami).
In an advisory posted on Facebook, the PCG said that these specialized teams, comprising communications personnel, rescue divers, and medical responders, are equipped with utility trucks and rubber boats to deliver critical aid to affected communities.
In the meantime, the PCG said that their mission is to ensure the swift evacuation of residents and provide immediate medical care to communities in hardest-hit areas in Bicol.
Additional forces were also deployed by Coast Guard District Bicol (CGDBCL) to assist in the ongoing evacuation and rescue operation in the region on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
A PCG team found a corpse during the collision of their operation in Zone 5, Libon, Albay.
The PCG had contacted the local government to provide additional assistance to the bereaved family of the victim, who drowned when their house was flooded.
Also, a PCG team rescued a senior citizen stuck on his wheelchair as waist-deep floodwaters swamped Zone 4 of Libon, Albay, on Wednesday.
Stranded passengers, rolling cargoes
In its monitoring of the 126 ports across the country—monitoring period from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, the PCG reported 8,786 stranded passengers, including truck drivers and cargo helpers.
It also logged 2,725 rolling cargoes, 142 sea vessels, and 65 motorbancas stuck in ports.
Meanwhile, it also recorded 351 vessels and 327 motorbancas taking shelter in safe harbors and ports. (PIA DMD)
Photos courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard.
