QUEZON CITY (PIA) — Rescue and assistance operations have been continuing for communities and individuals severely affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), especially those that have been trapped by the floods.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Oct. 24 said it has deployed multiple humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) units across the country to rescue families affected by the severe flooding.
“The AFP is fully prepared and operationally ready to respond to the needs of our citizens during this challenging time,” said General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the AFP, adding, “Our troops are on the ground, committed to saving lives and providing necessary assistance to those affected by Tropical Storm Kristine.”
Brawner said the Philippine Army mobilized Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams from the 5th, 7th, 2nd, 8th, and 9th Infantry Divisions, focusing on rescue operations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The 525th Combat Engineer Battalion also deployed an 18-person Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team to AFP Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) in Camp Nakar, Lucena City, Quezon, to assist in ongoing relief efforts.
In addition, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) swiftly transported 76 stranded individuals in Albay on October 22, 2024. Disaster Response Task Units (DRTUs) from Tactical Operations Group 5 facilitated the safe evacuation of individuals from Ayala Mall in Legazpi City to the Daraga Covered Court Evacuation Area.
The PAF also deployed two Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) teams, equipped with rubber boats, to address emergency operations in the hardest-hit communities.
“The AFP continues to work closely with local government units, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and other government agencies to ensure that rescue and relief efforts reach communities in need,” Brawner said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said its District Southern Tagalog unit mobilized additional personnel and resources to provide critical support in the affected areas.
The efforts are focused on reinforcing operational capabilities also to nearby regions, ensuring a swift response, the PCG said.
Deployable Response Groups (DRGs) were activated to bolster search and rescue efforts in the
region.
PCG said 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.
Their mission is to ensure the swift evacuation of residents and provide immediate medical care to affected residents in the hardest-hit areas in Bicol.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also deployed a 30-man clearing team and a 20-man search and rescue team to assist in areas hit by heavy rains and floods in Bicol.
The team brought with them 40 solar-powered water filtration systems, one aluminum boat, two engine-operated rubber boats, 20 small fiberglass boats, 1000 life vests, six chainsaws, modular evacuation tents, and medicines for leptospirosis.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes said the team will clear roads from debris that can impede mobility and accessibility, while the search and rescue team will conduct water search and rescue for areas inundated by flood.
Artes said the agency wanted to ensure first that Metro Manila, which is under its primary jurisdiction, is safe from the typhoon.
“We are also preparing in the event that the National Capital Region (NCR) will be hit by the typhoon; that’s why we decided to dispatch half of our assets to the Bicol region. The other half is ready to respond in case NCR will be hit by this weather disturbance. We are continuously coordinating and monitoring the situation in the metropolis through advisories released by PAGASA,” he said.
The MMDA is likewise coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), which will determine the exact areas where the agency’s contingent and resources will be dispatched.
If Metro Manila will not be severely affected, the agency will deploy its remaining resources to the Northern region in coordination with the OCD.
The MMDA also activated its emergency operations center and conducted an inventory of assets of the local government units in Metro Manila. Some of them are already prepositioned, particularly in flood-prone areas, Artes said, adding that all their pumping stations are operational. (PIA DMD)
Photo courtesy of MMDA.
