After Typhoon “Basyang” (international codename: Conson) unleashed its ferocity in Metro Manila and nearby provinces on the night of July 13, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chapters in the affected areas immediately provided assistance to the victims.

PRC chapters of Bulacan and Cavite distributed relief goods to people hardly hit by Basyang. PRC Manila Chapter, meanwhile, conducted mass feeding in Baseco and Delpan. Other PRC chapters prepare their volunteers and disaster response teams for possible deployment.             

People in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon were caught unaware when the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Basyang would only make landfall in Northern Luzon. Almost 40 municipalities in Bulacan, Catanduanes, Cavite, Camarines Sur, Batangas, Bataan, Camarines Norte and Laguna experienced the intensity of the typhoon. Moreover, 6,158 families were affected. 

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said, “The first typhoon for 2010 has already hit the country and many more will definitely follow. Thus, everyone should be prepared not only for typhoons but also for other disasters that will occur.”

As of 4:00 a.m. today, the weather bureau reported that the center of tropical storm Basyang was seen 400 km northwest of Dagupan City, with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph. It is forecast to move northwest at 19 kph.