President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday directed the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the establishment of pop-up clinics or deployment of a medical team in every evacuation site as the country grapples with the effects of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
In a situation briefing at the Presidential Security Command in Manila, Marcos emphasized the importance of healthcare in crisis situation, especially for the vulnerable sector such as the senior citizens and children.
“Kung minsan nakakalimutan ‘yan eh. But those in the evacuation areas will need to —kailangan meron silang clinic sa bawat evacuation center or at least merong umiikot na medical team (Sometimes that’s being left out. But for those in evacuation areas, there must be a clinic in every evacuation center or at least a medical team going around),” Marcos said.
The President said barangay health workers may be tapped to be deployed in the evacuation sites to conduct a triage and initial assessment of the evacuees while waiting for medical professionals.
He also urged the DOH and local government units to prepare medicines.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported to the President during the briefing that at least 13 people have been reported dead, two injured, and two missing as of Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, 189,014 families or 910,536 individuals were affected by the massive flooding and heavy rainfall brought by Carina and habagat.
The Chief Executive also ordered concerned government agencies and local government units to assess the situation on the ground to be able to respond immediately and effectively.
“We need to get, as quickly as possible, a good assessment of what the situation is, and what it is that we need to do. Where do we send our people, where do we send our goods, where do we send our materials,” he said.
After the briefing, Marcos said he will inspect affected areas and visit evacuation centers across Metro Manila.
AFP deploys disaster response teams
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed its available units for extensive humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in the aftermath of widespread flooding due to Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced monsoon.
In a statement Thursday, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said they have already deployed nine search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) teams from the 2nd Infantry Division and five from the Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR).
The Philippine Army’s 525th Engineer Battalion of the Combat Engineer Regiment’s two light urban search and rescue teams, comprising 52 personnel, are among those responding to the massive floods in Metro Manila.
These teams, along with four military trucks and four rubber boats, have been deployed under the AFP’s JTF-NCR to assist in rescue operations and determine specific areas of assignment.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is actively conducting rescue and relief operations in Pasay City.
Trinidad said the PAF’s 505th Search and Rescue Group, in collaboration with the local government, successfully rescued and evacuated around 100 residents affected by floods.
The Philippine Navy also deployed eight teams, composed of 11 officers and 46 enlisted personnel to augment operations in San Juan, Manila, Pasig, and Mandaluyong.
“The AFP continues to stand ready to provide critical support to communities in need, ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected individuals during this challenging time,” Trinidad said. (PNA)
