MANILA, Philippines — Department of Health (DOH) CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) has placed all government health facilities in the region on full alert status following the eruption of Taal volcano located in the municipality of Talisay, Batangas last Sunday afternoon.

“All health facilities are ready to provide preventive measures on the possible effects caused by the volcanic eruption that may include traumatic injuries, burns, suffocation, skin diseases, eye injuries, respiratory problems, conjunctivitis and even death,” said Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo after a briefing with provincial health officials and other concerned units of the region.

“Health emergency personnel, provincial health team leaders including mental health teams are being deployed to specific areas to provide immediate medical and health services,” Janairo said.

He also reminded residents with health conditions such as emphysema or asthma, bronchitis who were exposed to ashfall should consult medical attention immediately to avoid further health complications.

Volcanic ashfall is one of the major health hazards brought about by a volcanic eruption. A person who is exposed may suffer from eye, nose and throat irritation, difficulty in breathing, cough, bronchitis-like illness and minor skin problems.

Janairo advised residents to stay indoors and keep all the windows and doors closed to avoid volcanic ash from getting inside.

“For those in evacuaton centers, follow orders and await for further instructions. Huwag na huwag po kayong aalis hanggang walang sinasabi ang mga local na opiyal. Bantayan din natin ang mga bata at baka lumabas center at panoorin ang mga nangyayari sa laba ng center”.  

“Napakaimportante na makinig sa radyo upang maging up-to-date sa balita. Huwag na rin pong lumabas ng bahay kung kinakailangan naman be sure to wear protective mask and eye goggles or shades as protection from eye irritation.”

“We are also appealing sa mga retailers at traders in the region na huwag samantalahin ang pangyayari upang maibenta ng mahal ang mga panininda nilang facemasks sa publiko as there are already reports of overpricing and shortage of the N95 mask.”

“We will be monitoring prices and take stern action against those who will be taking advantage of the situation by unreasonably raising the prices of face asks.”

“The DOH will also be distributing free N95 facemask including eye drops and protection kits to residents of high-risk areas in the region,” Janairo disclosed. (Stacy Ang/JGo/Currentph.com)