DOH-7 says water sources unsafe: Diarrhea hits evac centers

CEBU, Philippines — At least 11 cases of diarrhea have been reported by the Department of Health in five different evacuation centers housing landslide survivors in Naga City, Cebu.

The health department  admitted that  water from most sources at the evacuation centers are unsafe for drinking.

Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, head of DOH-7’s Task Group Medical for Naga, said the water samples from the five evacuation centers tested positive of fecal coliform. This means, the water is not potable.

She said DOH-7 personnel took samples from faucets, water dispensers, restrooms, and other water sources from the Enan Chiong Activity Center (ENAN), Naga Central School, Naga National High School, Naalad Elementary School, and the covert court of APO CEMEX. Cañal explained that the water from these sources are not primarily for drinking and is used mainly for bathing and washing of utensils, among others.

She said quality of water has to be examined to prevent water and food borne diseases like diarrhea.

Meanwhile, DOH-7 has counted 11 cases of diarrhea from different evacuation centers, but Cañal said the situation is still "manageable."

DOH officials are now looking into the cause of the disease.

Cañal said they have already recommended to the evacuation center managers to put garbage disposals away from water sources, segregate waste properly, and cover trash bins.

Social workers have also been instructed to implement correct washing techniques for the children at the evacuation sites.

There are eight evacuation centers that are accommodating 1,341 displaced families or 4,984.

The number of displaced families rose following a forced evacuation of residents within a one-kilometer radius from the landslide sites in Barangay Tinaan.

As of midday yesterday, authorities counted 46 dead bodies.

Yesterday, authorities identified the bodies of Riz Janine Campanilla, 12; Marcelina Campanilla, 54; Lauro Campanilla, 55; Zeny Campanilla, 24; Franz Laurenz Campanilla, 10; Lexter Campanilla, 40's; Merly Baclaan; Jella Siton Agwanta, 18; Felipa Baclaan, 54; Victoriano Abalos, 60; Susan Agwanta, 47; and Jesus Agwanta, 47.

The bodies of a baby girl, a female child, and three unidentified men have also been recovered.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the number of missing persons have gone down to 40 from 64, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). (FREEMAN)