DOH: 35 evacuees due to Mayon unrest experience respiratory issues 

AID IS HERE Residents who left their homes in three villages of Guinobatan, Albay, as Mayon Volcano starts to rumble await the distribution of relief packages from the Philippine Red Cross at an evacuation center in Barangay Mauraro on Tuesday. INQUIRER file photo / MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said a total of 35 local residents, who evacuated due to Mayon Volcano’s unrest, experienced respiratory issues.

However, these cases are not all attributed to the adverse effects of sulfur dioxide and ashfall of the volcano.

“As of June 13, there are reported 35 cases presenting with respiratory problems such as cough, colds and sore throat at the evacuation centers,” the DOH said in a statement. “However, the reported cases are not verified as adverse effects of sulfur dioxide and ashfall.”

“We would like to assure the general public that the DOH is on the ground and continuously monitoring the affected population.”

More than 14,000 residents have been staying in evacuation centers, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

As of Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a sulfur dioxide flux of 149 metric tons a day, while seven volcanic earthquakes and 309 rockfall events were also logged.

Phivolcs classified Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 3 last Thursday due to “potential explosive activity happening within days or weeks.”

The state seismologists said the unrest in Mayon Volcano could last for a few months based on their observations.

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Mayon unrest may last for a few months – Phivolcs

JPV