Bicol: The Department of Health (DOH) has strategically prepositioned medicines and essential health items for approximately 3,500 evacuees and affected residents in the Bicol Region following the escalation of Mayon Volcano's status to Alert Level 3.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOH Bicol Center for Health Development has confirmed that sufficient medical supplies are available and are currently being distributed to various evacuation centers. This initiative aims to address the health needs of families who have been displaced due to the volcanic activity.

The items prepared and deployed for the evacuees include 29,682 boxes of surgical masks, 2,500 water containers, 1,000 Aquatabs tablets, and a 4,000-liter water tanker to ensure access to safe drinking water. Additionally, medicines for common ailments such as cough, fever, and colds, as well as maintenance drugs for individuals with chronic conditions, are included alongside hygiene kits.

The DOH emphasized that these measures are intended to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and manage common health issues in the evacuation centers, especially during extended periods of displacement.