DoH declares ‘code white’ ahead of tsunami

MANILA, Philippines – Regional health facilities and offices are on Code White, said Health Secretary Enrique Ona Friday.

Ona’s announcement came following tsunami alerts by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) after an 8.9-magnitude quake hit Japan, spawning huge waves that may also swamp the Marcus Island, the Northern Marianas, Guam, Taiwan, Indonesia and the US state of Hawaii.

Ona said that a Code White alert would ensure the supply of medicines and laboratory equipment required to treat tsunami victims.

The health department will also continuously monitor the provinces that are expected to be struck by the tsunami – Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Quezon Province, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Sur.

Ona said the DoH Health Emergency Management Staff was coordinating with local government units (LGUs).

“I call on my fellow health workers to take appropriate precautions, along with their catchment population, and be ready to provide emergency assistance and related services to all residents of areas that may be affected by this afternoon’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan,” Ona said.

The health secretary stressed that the DoH central office was ready to provide material and logistical support to regional health facilities, hospitals, and offices which may need them.