Ilocos region hospitals on ‘code white alert’ due to 2 weather disturbances

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—Hospitals in the Ilocos region were placed on “code white alert” on Wednesday (Aug. 31) in anticipation of the effects of Supertyphoon “Hinnamor” (Henry) and Tropical Depression “Gardo,” according to the regional Department of Health (DOH).

In a statement, Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, DOH regional director, said the alert level would be raised to “code blue” in case of a calamity.

Under code white alert, all hospital personnel are on standby for deployment and augmentation for medical and other services, as necessary. A code blue, on the other hand, means that at least 50 percent of all hospital personnel must report for duty in the facility to provide medical and other services.

Sydiongco said provinces in the region have adequate medicine and relief supplies despite reeling from Severe Tropical Storm Florita and the magnitude 7 earthquake.

In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Hinnamnor already entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 5: 30 p.m. It is expected to “merge” with Gardo.