Albay evacuees assured of safe drinking water

The United Nation International Children for Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has donated 20 trailers of water jugs to ensure safe drinking water for all residents in Albay province who are forced to evacuate due to the impending eruption of Mayon Volcano. Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that aside from regular food supply, the provincial government is ensuring that drinking water is safe in order to avoid any health problem, specially water borne diseases, in evacuation centers. “The donation is part of the commitment of the UNICEF to the province of Albay and one of our requirements in the evacuation centers is to provide potable water," said Salceda, who is also the chairman of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating council (PDCC). Aside from safe drinking water, personnel from the provincial health office have been assigned 24/7 in the evacuation centers to monitor the health condition of families there. Salceda said especial attention is being given to children. “Aside from the regular health personnel, the health management team is also composed of highly trained paramedics capable to handle all emergency related health response," the governor added. As of December 20, the PDCC has reported 31 cases of fever and four cases of cough. Salceda attributed this to the cold weather. - KBK, GMANews.TV