MANILA – At least 1,624 people displaced by the unrest of the Mayon Volcano in the Philippines have suffered from acute respiratory infections, the Philippines’ Health Department said yesterday, reported Xinhua.
Health Undersecretary Enrique Tayag said health authorities in Albay province have reported that some people in temporary shelters have been sick with coughs, colds and sore throats.
“There is an increase in cases of cough, colds and sore throats among the evacuees,” Tayag told a news conference. However, he added that there is no outbreak of respiratory infections at the evacuation centres.
Authorities have evacuated nearly 19,000 residents within the 6km danger zone at the foot of the volcano, approximately 500km southeast of Manila since its recent unrest starting on June 8.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology maintained the alert level around the volcano at three on a scale of five.
The cone-shaped volcano continues to pose a threat to residents, preventing them from returning to their homes. Displaced people are temporarily housed at 27 government-run shelters.
“The volcano is currently in a relatively high level of unrest, and a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days could still be possible,” volcanologists warned in an advisory yesterday.
The Mayon Volcano last erupted in 2018, resulting in the evacuation of more than 23,000 people from nine cities and municipalities. – Bernama, July 18, 2023
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