Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today immediately ordered the augmentation of medicines and other medical supplies in regions hit by tropical depression “Vinta” in Mindanao to respond to the immediate health needs of thousands of affected families and communities.
“The DOH expresses its sympathy to our countrymen on this tragic event especially with the loss of lives and with many still reported missing along with their homes which were destroyed by flash floods and landslides. This is very sad especially at this time when families should be celebrating Christmas and preparing for the festivities of the New Year,” Duque lamented. The health chief also appealed to the public any assistance they can provide to those affected by the disaster.
Secretary Duque also reported that flash floods and landslide incidents occurred in Zamboanga del Norte, while the municipality of Carmen, Daval del Norte has now been declared under state of calamity.
A total of 70,454 families or 320,180 individuals are affected in 569 barangays in MIMAROPA, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao, Davao region, ARMM and CARAGA.
At the moment, the Department of Health is still on alert and concerned regional offices are instructed to deploy emergency response teams to provide the needed health services to the affected population, and ordered continuous coordination with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.
Also, the DOH Davao regional office has emergency medical teams to Talomo North District, Marilog District, Bunangin District and District A to provide health consultations and treatments. DOH Central Visayas provided technical services on water sanitation, hygiene and nutrition services.
The DOH Central Mindanao augmented assorted medicines to rural health units of Pantao Ragat and Balo-1 for internally-displaced people inside and outside of evacuation centers, started leptospirosis prophylaxis to exposed individuals, augmented doxycycline in Northern Mindanao Medical Center and provided health teachings on the proper use of water treatment solutions.
“I appeal to every Filipino to extend any assistance to families affected and displaced by tropical depression Vinta. Let us extend our kindness and compassion to those who have been severely hit by this tragedy,” Secretary Duque concluded.