DOH-7 flags unsafe water sources in Naga evacuation centers

THE DEPARTMENT of Health-Central Visayas (DoH-7) office said water from most sources at the evacuation centers for residents around the Naga landslide area are unsafe for drinking. Dr. Eugenia Mercedes R. 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, which means these are unsafe for drinking. The samples were taken from faucets, water dispensers, restrooms, and other water sources at the Enan Chiong Activity Center, Naga Central School, Naga National High School, Naalad Elementary School, and the covert court of APO CEMEX. The DOH-7 has recorded 11 cases of diarrhea from the different evacuation centers, but Ms. Cañal said the situation is still “manageable.” There are 1,341 displaced families composed of 4,984 persons. The displaced families include those who live within a one-kilometer radius from the landslide sites in Barangay Tinaan and were forced to evacuate. — The Freeman