MANDALUYONG CITY -- "Payloaders are critical during disasters like this. Having roads cleared means we can bring relief goods and personnel to the people," said Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon as he deployed payloaders to Cebu, Bohol, and Southern Leyte.

With Super Typhoon Odette's strong winds and torrential rains slamming the archipelago last week, trees and posts toppled over roads and structures, and crushed homes in over 35 provinces in Visayas and Mindanao. The super typhoon has caused catastrophic damage destroying access to roads making it a challenge to communicate, and transport relief items and other rescue equipment to affected areas.

"Once the payloaders clear the debris from the roads, our other trucks are sent in immediately to provide lifesaving resources such as the water tankers, food trucks, medical supplies, shelter and hygiene kits to the battered areas that are in dire need of support," said Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon. (Philippine Red Cross)