Press Release
May 22, 2008

GORDON MOBILIZES PNRC TO HELP AREAS AFFECTED BY
TROPICAL STORM COSME

Senator Richard Gordon, Philippine National red Cross (PNRC) Chairman, has mobilized resources of the National Headquarters of the Red Cross and its local chapters, to aid victims of Tropical Storm Cosme, especially in hardest-hit areas including Pangasinan and Zambales.

Tropical Storm Cosme lashed the areas of Palawan, Zambales, Dagupan-Pangasinan, Western Pangasinan and La Union, requiring the evacuation of residents to safer ground. Cosme also damaged electrical and communication lines, caused flooding and landslides and made some roads impassable.

"While tropical storm Cosme has thankfully left the Philippines, the bulk of the PNRC's work of helping victims of the calamity in Northern and Central Luzon begins in aftermath. Zambales and Pangasinan are of particular concern for the PNRC, " said Gordon.

"The PNRC is already tallying the number of casualties, fatalities and will aid in the reunification of loved ones who may have been separated during the height of the storm. Filipinos can be assured that the PNRC is doing everything it can to help in the relief, recovery and rehabilitation of the affected areas."

Below is a summary update of ongoing PNRC operations to help victims of Tropical Storm Cosme. Information is as of May 19, 2008:

Zambales

More than 68,000 persons are reportedly affected. Nearly all municipalities in Zambales have reportedly no power. Nearly 7,000 homes have reportedly sustained partial or total damage. The PNRC is now evacuating affected families is continuously monitoring the situation to determine how best to serve the victims' needs.

Palawan

Palawan suffered flooding and landslides and 1,672 families are reportedly affected. The PNRC and the local RC chapter are now engaged in relief operations in the area. No evacuations were done as families either chose to stay in their homes or went to stay with relatives elsewhere.

Dagupan, Pangasinan

Nearly 22,000 persons are reportedly affected. Resident Maria Mamaradlo was rescued from her home in Dagupan after it was inundated in chest-deep floodwaters. It is reported that Mamaradlo is a differently-abled person and was rescued by PNRC volunteers. Two fatalities have been reported, and one victim was rushed to the hospital for childbirth. Relief operations and evacuation of residents are ongoing. The PNRC has also provided generator sets to provide power requirements of relief operations as there are still areas that are without electricity.

La Union

Nearly 43,000 persons are reportedly affected. Weather has normalized and PNRC efforts are now focused on providing food (i.e., NFA rice) and other basic necessities for affected residents. The municipality of Agoo has declared a state of calamity and the PNRC is now helping provide food for typhoon victims. Most victims are returned to their homes and are now repairing their damaged houses. The PNRC is continuing 24/7 monitoring in the area.

Western Pangasinan

More than 800 families are reportedly affected. Fair weather conditions have been reported and the PNRC is focused on providing relief goods to victims. Power and communication lines are still out in most barangays. The PNRC is continuing its monitoring and assessment.

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