MANDALAUYONG CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) through its Davao City Chapter was quick to respond as flooding hit communities near the banks of the Davao River. PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard 'Dick' Gordon directed the staff and volunteers of PRC Davao Chapter to deploy 2 of its rubber raft to Davao City, specifically the districts of Bacaca, Tigatto, Waan, Maa, and Bucana, as well as some portions of Lasang.

The PRC team rescued 4 trapped individuals and brought them to the evacuation center. PRC's Davao City Chapter is also in close coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office for further operations if needed.

PRC also established a pre-emptive evacuation center along the Carlos P. Garcia Highway 10 where 4 families (14 individuals) are currently relocated. Evacuation centers were also put-up in Baranggay 76-A where 15 families (45 individuals) are currently lodged.

"The Red Cross Davao City Chapter is still on alert in case they are needed. I have directed other nearby chapters to be on alert and ready to respond if the need arises. Mabilis ang pagkilos ng Red Cross para maiwasan natin ang pagkawala ng buhay," said Chairman Dick Gordon.

The communities around Davao River in Davao City flooded due to continuous heavy rains last November 10. (Philippine Red Cross)