SILVER SPRING, MD—The Adventist Development and Relief Agency’s (ADRA) emergency response team (ERT) is on high alert and has prepositioned resources as Typhoon Hagupit, locally known as Ruby, approaches the Philippines.
While the Typhoon has lost some strength and was downgraded from Super Typhoon to Typhoon, it seems to be regaining strength. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm has maximum sustained winds of 195 kph [121 mph] near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph [143 mph].
Typhoon Hagupit is set to make landfall Saturday evening (December 6), local time, or Sunday morning over the Eastern Samar—Northern Samar area. Strong winds and storm surge up to 4 meters are expected with heavy rainfall.
ADRA’s ERT has prepared 2,500 shelter kits, and 5,000 tarps as well as other nonfood items for distribution as needed.
“We have taken the necessary steps to ensure that our response team is prepared to respond,” said Thierry Van Bignoot, ADRA’s Director for Emergency Management Unit. “We are especially vigilant of areas that were affected by last year’s Super Typhoon Haiyan who are still just recovering from that disaster.”