DOH counts on heavy rain in Calabarzon to deter firecracker use

LAGUNA, Philippines –The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded eight firecracker injuries in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region, with one victim ending up with an amputated finger.

Regional health chief Dr. Eduardo Janairo, on Monday, said the incidents were recorded from December 21 to 31. The figure is 95 percent lower than during the same period last year. No deaths have been recorded.

All eight cases involved male victims between the ages of 5 and 49. Two of the incidents happened in Batangas with Cavite and Rizal. Most of them suffered from blast burns.

In a text message, Janairo said they are hoping the heavy rain caused by the low pressure area (previously Tropical Depression ‘Usman”) will deter New Year’s Eve revelers from using firecrackers.

“We are just hoping it won’t flood..The way the rain is pouring, it looks like we might have the same problem as that of Albay, Camarines, and Mindoro,” he added. /muf