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Cholera-hit Palawan town declared under state of calamity


Local authorities have declared a state of calamity over a town in Palawan where nearly 20 people have died since March after a cholera epidemic hit the area. National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag said on Friday the move will allow the local government in Bataraza town to gain access to calamity funds and fix the water system there. Authorities said the residents' lack of access to clean water has triggered the epidemic. “Ang local council ng Bataraza nag-declare ng state of calamity. Ang calamity funds magagamit nila para sa ganoon maayos ang sistema ng tubig doon, maayos ang sanidad at para may mabili na gamot bagama’t tumutulong ang DOH para ang katutubong may sakit pa ay matulungan kaagad," Tayag said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported at least 19 members of a local tribe had died from diarrhea due to cholera since March. Tayag said their initial investigation showed the residents drank contaminated water. In the meantime, he said the Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation. “Tuloy-tuloy ang pagmo-monitor natin," he said. – VVP, GMA News

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