A huge column of ash shoots up to the sky during the eruption of Mayon volcano Monday, Jan. 22, 2018 as seen from Legazpi City, Albay province, around 340 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Manila. The Philippines’ most active volcano erupted Monday prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to raise the alert level to 4 from last week’s alert level 3. (Photo by EARL RECAMUNDA / AP)
Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon on Monday urged people in the vicinity of the Mount Mayon to wear face masks and remain alert for other health hazards.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology had earlier raised alert level 4 on the volcano, after it spewed ash and steam 10 kilometers into the sky.
“We urge the affected individuals to wear dust masks or anything to cover their nose and mouth to protect themselves from catching harmful emissions from the volcanic ash,” Gordon said. “We also advise the residents to report immediately to their local health centers and nearest PRC chapter in case of health concerns from volcanic ash.”
As of posting time, the PRC has already provided dust masks to 4,000 people. Another 4,000 dust masks were sent in Albay for future distribution. A total of 60 goggles, and 300 N95 masks were also provided to the affected individuals.
According to PRC Health Services, exposure to falling ash may cause a variety of respiratory problems such as nose and throat irritation, coughing, bronchitis-like illness, and discomfort while breathing. Eye irritation and minor skin problems are also among the bad effects of exposure to volcanic ash, the PRC said.
Aside from these, the falling ash can also cause vehicular mishaps, which could lead to injuries and casualties because of slippery of roads and poor visibility in the affected areas.
According to PRC, volcanic ash consists of powder-size to sand-size particles that have been blown into the air by an erupting volcano.
Gordon said he had deployed health volunteers to the area to conduct an awareness campaign on health hazards posed by an erupting volcano.
So far, the PRC has conducted hygiene promotion activities to 1,153 individuals in various evacuation centers in Albay.
Five water bladders were already installed to provide the affected individuals access to clean and safe water.
Meanwhile, PRC assets – such as three water tankers, two hot meals on wheels, three trucks and one radio team with communication equipment – have been deployed.
PRC has 103 chapters with two million volunteers nationwide to provide round-the- clock humanitarian assistance, especially to the most vulnerable. /atm