PH Red Cross sends more water tankers, bladders in 'Odette'-hit areas
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said Sunday, Dec. 26, that it sent more water tankers and water bladders to areas ravaged by Typhoon "Odette."

"Above anything else, the people in Siargao need clean water! Without clean water, various diseases can spread. I'm sending more water tankers and water bladders to the island. We at the Red Cross understand that it is critical to prevent and control infectious diseases after natural disaster," PRC Chairman and Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon said in a statement.
Gordon also underscored that typhoons, such as "Odette," can and will lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases "if not quickly acted upon."
"As Siargao deals with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Odette, the death toll may rise exponentially if adequate actions to fix the shortage of clean water are not done immediately. That is why the Red Cross is moving mountains to make it happen," he added.
The death toll due to Typhoon "Odette," climbed to 367, while 62 persons are still missing, according to the latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.
PRC will also mobilize its water treatment system and put-up shop in San Isidro, where the island’s water production site is located.
It will also establish water collection points across the island through several water bladders to allow people to collect water through jerry cans which PRC will also provide.
"As of December 25, we already have two water tankers in Siargao. We also have a water treatment system to make sure that people have clean water," Gordon said.
"There's also a food truck on the island to provide hot food for the hungry. The Red Cross is ready to help our countrymen who have been beaten by Odette," he added.
Gordon said fully operational medical tents are also on the way to Siargao. These hospital tents are equipped with cots and medicines and manned by PRC’s army of trained volunteers together with its medical corps comprising of doctors, nurses, and other medical allied personnel.