Cases of respiratory diseases have significantly increased in evacuation centers located in three local government units in Negros Occidental, following the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on December 9.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan said on Thursday, December 26 that due to the prolonged stay of the evacuees in various evacuation centers, it has contributed to the rise in respiratory illnesses, particularly in La Carlota City, Bago City, and La Castellana.
She added that evacuees commonly request medications for fever, colds, and cough. Records showed that children are the most affected by these health issues.
On the other hand, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has delivered twenty additional portalets to evacuation centers in La Castellana and La Carlota City.
The portalets, which arrived at the Provincial Capitol, aimed to improve sanitation and ensure the health and well-being of evacuees still staying in evacuation centers.
Impact
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) earlier reported that the eruption has affected 11,883 families or 45,526 individuals from 32 barangays across Regions VI and VII. Of these, 4,454 families or 14,186 individuals are temporarily staying in 32 evacuation centers, while 2,185 families or 6,953 individuals are staying outside evacuation centers.
The agricultural sector in Region VI also reported damages amounting to approximately ₱33,554,721.59.
Mount Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, signaling a high level of unrest and a potential for further eruptions.
OCD added that they continue to monitor the situation of the volcano, while assisting affected families, addressing health concerns, and improving living conditions in evacuation centers.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.