DOH looking after physical, mental health of typhoon victims

A flooded area in Barangay San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales after Typhoon Catina and the southwest monsoon triggered heavy downpour that resulted in massive flooding in many parts of the country.  (Joanna Aglibot, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has been tasked with ensuring the physical and mental well-being of evacuees in areas hit by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”

This directive came from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos during a situation briefing in Bulacan on Saturday.

“Mayroon po tayong mga health workers sa lahat ng evacuation center at will augment the local … ang priority nila [Governors] ay ang health. So may mga tao talaga doon sa evacuation center,” Herbosa told the President.

(We have health workers in all evacuation centers who will augment the local efforts … their [Governors] priority is health. So there are personnel stationed at the evacuation centers.)

Herbosa added that the DOH will also provide psychological first aid to farmers and fishermen whose livelihoods have been affected by the torrential rains and flooding in the previous days.

“I think we need to support all of this, kaya nanghingi ng ayuda pa iyan. Sometimes it is the stress of the effect sa kanilang kabuhayan, so magpadala tayo ng mga psychological first aid,” Herbosa said.

(I think we need to support all of this, which is why they are asking for more aid. Sometimes it is the stress from the impact on their livelihoods, so we’ll extend psychological first aid.)

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, the DOH cautioned the public of the diseases due to filthy water.

“Mag-ingat sa mga sakit na dala ng maruming tubig! Siguraduhin malinis ang iyong inuming tubig. Pakuluan ang tubig sa loob ng dalawang minuto o gumamit ng chlorine tablets,” the post read.

(Beware of diseases caused by dirty water! Ensure your drinking water is clean. Boil the water for two minutes or use chlorine tablets.)

“Hugasan mabuti ang mga lalagyan tulad ng jerry cans o plastik na bote bago gamitin muli. Ugaliing maghugas ng kamay gamit ang tubig at sabon sa loob ng 20 segundo o gumamit ng alcohol,” it added.

(Thoroughly wash containers like jerry cans or plastic bottles before reusing them. Make it a habit to wash your hands with water and soap for 20 seconds or use alcohol.)