The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public health warning following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island yesterday.
The agency identified some potential risks after the eruption such as respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, skin irritation, and water contamination.
DOH Central office has also directed regional offices to ensure adequate supply of N95 masks, eye protection, water purification tablets or filters, medicines, hand sanitizers, and antiseptic wipes.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged residents to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and wear masks to avoid inhaling ashfalls.
Almost 90,000 residents of the region are affected covering the provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo and Antique.
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.