Piles of trash still out there; DOH deploys ‘spray’ teams

More than a week after relentless monsoon rains pounded Metro Manila, the streets are still littered with rubbish flushed out by the floods, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday.

DOH-National Capital Region Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo raised the alarm over “the mounds of garbage that are accumulating” in the capital.

Janairo said Health Secretary Enrique Ona had ordered the disinfection and sanitation of uncollected garbage in the streets of Metro Manila to prevent the outbreak of diseases.

He said a disinfectant solution would be sprayed on the trash to reduce the foul odor and kill germs and bacteria.

“We will not wait for an outbreak of various illnesses like flu, fever, diarrhea, cholera and skin problems to happen, that is why sanitation and disinfection teams were already dispatched to specific areas,” Janairo said in a statement.

“We aim for prevention and we will not wait for diseases and other harmful bacteria to spread in populated areas. We should protect our health and that of our children because they are most vulnerable in contracting illness when exposed to these wastes,” he added.

Health officials said roadside trash heaps close to homes and evacuation centers were expected to draw swarms of flies and disease-carrying vermin.

“I strongly advise people to avoid climbing on these heaps or picking up leftovers from piles of garbage. For the waste collectors, be sure to wear protective gear like boots and gloves,” Janairo stressed.

“Those who have to collect scraps to sell for profit should wear slippers as well as wash thoroughly both hands and feet with soap and water after coming from the garbage dumps,” the health official added. Kristine L. Alave