DOH provides drinking water to quake victims in Surigao City

The health department has been distributing drinking water and disinfecting solutions to victims of the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that rattled Surigao City, Surigao del Norte province last Friday. (Photo: Steven Depolo/Flickr)

MANILA—The health department has been distributing drinking water and disinfecting solutions to victims of the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that rattled Surigao City, Surigao del Norte province last Friday.

Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial said Monday her department has been using the guidelines they have prepared based on their experience in handling the health concerns of victims of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

The guidelines include providing safe and clean water, prophylaxis for possible cases of leptospirosis, and Vitamin A and Zinc to children below five years old.

Ubial advised the people in quake-hit areas to disinfect the water they drink, especially if they are not sure of its source.

“We are also distributing jerry cans (of drinking water) with faucets. They are also distributing disinfecting solutions, the hyposol or chlorine tablets, so all drinking water can be disinfected. If they cannot do that, they have to boil the water for 20 minutes or more so it will be safe (for drinking),” she said.

She further said that teams from the health department have been giving tetanus toxoid to those injured during the quake to protect them from tetanus.

Ubial also said that teams in evacuation centers are providing Vitamin A and Zinc to children below five years old and are determining which diseases could possibly turn into an outbreak.