DOH remains on Code Blue for areas around Mayon Volcano

Response activities by the Department of Health (DOH) have been heightened and sustained in areas affected by volcanic activities from Mayon Volcano, now classified as Alert Level 4.

In a statement released Friday, the DOH said it remains on code blue due to Oplan: Mayon Operations, which now include free consultations at all round-the-clock medical stations in every evacuation site.

A total of 326 doctors, nurses, and midwives who are part of the Rapid Health Assessment Team (RHAT) remain deployed at the following evacuation sites:

• Camalig
• Guinobatan
• Daraga
• Tabaco City
• Sto. Domingo
• Malilipot
• Legazpi City
• Ligao City

Fast lanes in DOH hospitals are in place and are augmented with additional health workers ready to adopt evacuation centers to provide emergency aid.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III advised residents suffering bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma to take extra precautions against exposure to volcanic ash to avoid further complications.

“We are advising affected residents in the area to minimize exposure to ash by staying indoors as much as possible, wear protective covers (dust masks, goggles, wet towels etc.) against volcanic ashes, keep doors and windows closed and observe road safety measures," Duque said.

Response activities were funded by a quick release fund of P5 million disbursed to DOH Bicol earlier.

Assorted medicines and commodities worth P6,869,372 remain in stock at their warehouse as well.

Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said a total of 81,618 residents have fled their homes in Albay and are staying either in evacuation centers or with their relatives. — Rie Takumi/RSJ, GMA News