DOH: Obey evacuation protocols, ensure safe drinking water

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reminded the public to follow evacuation protocols and ensure the cleanliness of their drinking water amid inclement weather due to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo advised the public to evacuate, if needed, upon instruction of authorities and to take note of rescue hotlines for emergencies.

"Kapag sinabi ng kapitan, mayor, o gobernador na evacuate, lumikas na po para makaiwas sa sakuna. Tandaan ang rescue hotlines: 911 sa national, 1555 sa DOH," he said.

(When the barangay captain, mayor, or governor orders an evacuation, please evacuate to prevent disasters from happening. Remember the rescue hotlines, 911 for national, 1555 for DOH.)

Domingo also urged the public to be mindful of their drinking water during these times, regardless if they are at home or in evacuation centers. The Health official said boiling water for up to two minutes or using chlorine tables will help sterilize drinking water.

In the event that they were affected by flooding, the public was advised to wash any part of their bodies that was submerged in floodwater, and to consult the nearest local health center for free medicine.

Meanwhile, evacuees were reminded to always wash their hands and wear face masks.

Weather service PAGASA has monitored three Low Pressure Areas (LPAs) inside and outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

One of the LPAs located near Central Luzon has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, while another LPA in Batanes has a medium chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next 24 hours.

A red rainfall warning was also issued for Metro Manila, Bataan, and some parts of Cavite at 8 a.m.

Areas under a red rainfall warning may experience serious flooding in flood-prone areas.

"The public and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices concerned are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next warning to be issued at 11:00 AM today," PAGASA said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News