THE Department of Health – CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) yesterday declared a Code Blue alert for all DOH hospitals in the region as part of the comprehensive disaster preparedness measures to deal with and to lessen the impact of Typhoon Rolly on local communities that will be affected.
Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo, DOH regional director, assured that the regional office is ready and prepared to provide assistance to local government units that will be needing essential health care services.
“Nakahanda kaming magbigay ng tulong pangkalusugan sa mga komunidad at mga indibidwal na maapektuhan ng bagyo. Our provincial health teams, especially in the province of Quezon, are already in coordination with local government units and prepared to provide assistance for the management of the most common health-related problems that may result from this typhoon,” he said.
According to the Severe Weather Bulletin # 12 of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), the eastern portion of Quezon including Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Calauag, Lopez, Catanauan, Buenavista, Mulanay, San Narciso, San Andres, San Francisco will be very much affected and are now placed under signal # 4 as of November 1, 2020.
“With this development, the situation is potentially very destructive to the community. We are advising residents of the affected areas to take all precautionary measures and stay at home or stay in evacuation centers for safer shelter. Huwag na po kayong lalabas ng bahay at baka mapahamak lang kayo dahil sa malakas ng bugso ng hangin at ulan,” Janairo warned.
The regional office also requested LGU health workers, provincial health coordinators including regional health emergency management staff to assist in the conduct of a pre-disaster risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of residents such as pre-emptive evacuation of those residing in high risk areas, ensuring the adequate supply of medicines and medical equipment, placing responders, rapid health assessment teams and surveillance officers on standby duty and checking that all emergency vehicles and radio communication are working effectively.
“We have to make sure these measures are being undertaken to ensure that the zero-casualty target is met. We are also in continuous coordination with provincial and municipal health offices in the regions affected by the typhoon in case any untoward health event may occur.” Janairo stressed.
