THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) advised affected communities to be vigilant on the health hazards of volcanic ash to human health as alert level 4 was raised over Mayon Volcano in Legazpi, Albay.
PRC Health Services said exposure to falling ash may cause a number of health problems, especially respiratory illnesses, such as nose and throat irritation, coughing, bronchitis-like illness and discomfort. Eye irritation and minor skin problems are also among the bad effects of exposure to volcanic ash.
It can also cause vehicular mishaps, resulting in injuries and casualties because of slippery roads and poor visibility in areas affected by the ashfall.
Volcanic ash consists of powder- to sand-sized particles blown into the air by an erupting volcano.
“The Philippine Red Cross already activated its health volunteers to disseminate an awareness campaign on the health hazards that may ensue to individuals living around an erupting volcano,” PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon said.
As part of the dissemination campaign, the PRC also educated the affected communities on ways to cope with ashfall and advised the residents to seek immediate medical attention in case of health concerns caused by volcanic ash.
“We urge affected individuals to wear dust masks or anything to cover their nose and mouth to protect them from catching harmful emissions from the volcanic ash. We also advise the residents to report immediately to their local health centers and nearest PRC chapter in case of health concerns from volcanic ash,” Gordon said.
To date, the PRC has already provided dust masks to 4,000 individuals. Another 4,000 dust masks were also sent last Sunday in distribution in the coming days. A total of 60 goggles and 300 N95 masks were provided to affected individuals to avoid the harmful effects of volcanic ash.
The PRC also conducted hygiene-promotion activities to a total of 1,153 individuals in various evacuation centers in Albay. Five water bladders were already installed to provide the affected individuals access to clean and safe water.
Meanwhile, PRC assets, such as three water tankers, two hot-meals-on-wheels, three trucks and one radio team with communication equipment were all deployed.
The PRC, as the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, has 103 chapters with 2 million volunteers nationwide always first, always ready and always there to provide round-the-clock humanitarian assistance, especially to the most vulnerable.
PRC services include disaster management, health, welfare, blood, volunteer service and Red Cross youth.