Red Cross: Watch out for health threats due to water woes

The Philippine Red Cross deploys water tankers in Rizal Medical Center to solve water shortage problem in the hospital. Photo courtesy of Philippine Red Cross

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday advised the public to beware of health issues that may rise due to poor access to or lack of clean water.

Philippine Red Cross Chairman Senator Richard Gordon issued this warning after the agency continued receiving requests for clean water from different communities affected by water shortage, further worsened by the El Niño phenomenon.

“It is no joke not to have water. We saw it in the water crisis in Manila, where people become vulnerable to diseases,” Gordon said in a statement.

“The worst may happen in provinces as livelihood opportunities are interrupted by the phenomenon,” he added.

Last week, the weather bureau officially declared that start of dry season in the country.

READ: Pagasa declares onset of dry season in PH

Gordon said that Virac, Catanduanes Mayor Samuel Laynes and Lanao Del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. have already requested the assistance of PRC during the dry season.

Data from Pagasa showed that Lanao Del Sur and Catanduanes are among the 72 provinces that will likely experience drought by the end of March.

PRC has so far provided a total of 96,000 liters of clean water in Mandaluyong City, 89,975 liters in Quezon City and 70,500 liters in Marikina City since March 12. / gsg