In the wake of Typhoon Glenda (also known as Rammasun), which barreled through the Philippines last week, Direct Relief continues to strengthen its network of health partners throughout the island nation.

Nearly 100 were killed by the storm, with more than 300 injured and thousands of houses damaged, displacing more than 500,000 people, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Staff was on the ground in Cebu conducting relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan when the storm hit. The team was quickly connected with the Health Director of Region 5, Dr. Gloria Balboa, to fully assess injuries, damages to health centers, and medical supply needs in the area hardest-hit by the storm.

She reported that a total of 106 patients were brought to two hospitals, the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital and the Ziga District Hospital in Tabaco, where the eye of the storm hit.

Direct Relief staff visited the two sites and found the infrastructure to be fairly intact, with some damages to hospital rooms. A donation of basic antibiotics was provided to help hospital staff care for the needs of the slight influx of patients.

As Direct Relief continues to plan long-term recovery efforts, the new relationships formed with the Region 5 hospitals will allow for better emergency preparedness going forward.

Preparedness is crucial as about 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year, and meteorologists warn that storms are likely to get more dangerous, reports Reuters.

Click here to learn more about Direct Relief’s Typhoon Haiyan relief activities.