The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday provided updates on its ongoing efforts to assist communities within the vicinity of Mayon, especially now that alert level 4 has been raised. Mayon Volcano in Albay Province has been exhibiting increased seismic unrest, lava fountaining and summit explosions. Because of this, the Danger Zone is extended to 8 kilometers radius from the summit vent.
The DOH Central Office ordered a quick release fund amounting to P5,000,000.00 to finance various activities on, which include among others, continuous monitoring and coordination with DOST- PHIVOLCS regarding the status of Mayon, and for any untoward incident and response needs. It further funded augmentation supplies, such as water containers, hygiene kits, assorted medicines and mosquito nets for the affected families in the amount P 7,087,215.00.
“As of Monday, the DOH has provided a total of P3,027,155.13 worth of commodities and financial assistance to affected local government units. This includes the provision of tents, mask, health advisories, jerry cans, drugs and medicines and financial assistance of P2,000,000.00 for the Province of Albay for the construction of toilets and bathing facilities in evacuation centers,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.
The Center for Health Development Bicol has deployed its Rapid Health Assessment teams and monitoring teams since January 13 to evacuation centers in Camalig, Guinobatan, Daraga, Tabaco City, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, Legazpi City and Ligao City, Albay.
A total of 326 DOH health workers, including nurses and midwives were augmented and deployed in the said evacuation centers. Last week, Assistant Secretary Nestor Santiago monitored the actions taken by the DOH Bicol and the situation of 35,436 evacuees.
“Right now, we are on code blue alert due to the Oplan: Mayon Operations. The DOH has already set up 24-hour medical stations and free check-ups in every evacuation sites. Evacuees were provided of safe drinking water and sanitary facilities. Those who were suffering of ailments were given medicines and managed,” Duque added.
The DOH hospitals, Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital and Bicol Medical Center initiated and provided fast lanes and stand-by medical teams in their facilities. They will also augment health workers and adopt evacuation centers to provide medical assistance in case there is a need and if condition worsens.
“The DOH Bicol Region is prepared and still has Php 6,860,372.17 worth of assorted medicines and commodities in stock at our warehouse”, said Bicol Regional Director Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo during a press briefing conducted Monday.
“This week, Assistant Secretary Santiago and the Health Emergency Management Bureau and will be monitoring the state of the evacuees and further assess their needs. DOH will be ready and prepared in providing better health especially in times of natural disasters,” Secretary Duque added.
The DOH reminds the public that a special lane for those affected by the Mayon eruption has been designated in DOH hospitals in order to facilitate immediate medical assistance.
With the ash fall currently being experienced by the residents near Mayon, the DOH strongly advises the public to minimize exposure to ash, stay indoors as much as possible, and wear protective covers (dust masks, goggles, etc.) against volcanic ashes which should be avoided especially by anyone with pre-existing health conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma.
To date, the eruption has now affected a total of 10,491 families or 40,718 persons or 39 barangays in the affected municipalities/cities. Of whom, 6,498 displaced families/24,611 persons are currently accommodated in 27 evacuation centers. (Source: DSWD DROMIC Report#12 on the Mayon Phreatic Eruption as of 22 January 2018) (DOH-PR)
