Red Cross steps up aid delivery for ‘Nona’ victims in Northern Samar

ISABEL, Leyte, Dec. 20 (PNA) - Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard J. Gordon has vowed to help typhoon "Nona" victims the way they helped super typhoon "Yolanda" victims.

PRC is one of the first responders of typhoon "Nona" in Northern Samar and currently on the ground for assessment.

The assessment teams in Northern Samar are doing evaluation of the damages caused by typhoon "Nona" in 13 towns as well as the identification of beneficiaries, Gordon said during his visit to this town in Saturday.

“Our plan for Northern Samar is just like what we did in 'Yolanda', mobilize the people, bring the relief and give what the people they need, bring the equipment right away, enjoin the people to rebuild their lives, and do the things right away,” Gordon explained.

Since there are 2,000 families who lost their houses, Gordon has launched a national and international appeal to help them, for them to be able to assist the farmers and fishermen.

Gordon said that based on assessment, about 5,000 families need food packs and shelter repair kit in six towns.

PRC delivered 150 tarpaulins and one satellite phone in Northern Samar after the typhoon.

The Rec Cross recently visited Northern Samar and distributed food and non-food items to 575 beneficiaries in the villages of Hinatag and Daganas in Catarman town.

On Saturday, Gordon visited Leyte towns for the hand-over ceremony of several projects supported and donated by Red Cross for the victims of super typhoon "Yolanda." These include classrooms, water sanitation and hygiene, health facilities, shelter and livelihood programs.

The integrated sectoral program has been implemented in 16 villages of the Isabel and Merida towns in Leyte.

Gordon emphasized that despite the fact that it has been two years after "Yolanda," PRC has been on the ground and although so much has been done, the work continues. (PNA)
SCS/SQM/Lizbeth Ann A. Abella/egr