Hospitals on code white alert for Typhoon Pepito —DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) raised Code White Alert at its central office in preparation for the threats of Typhoon Pepito. 

In a press statement, the department ensured that the emergency response teams in various regions were on standby. 

With this, the affected regions such as the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas have also declared a Code White Alert. 

This also includes other regions that may be affected such as Western Visayas Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao.

As part of the Inter-agency Coordinating Council, the DOH ensures the close coordination of the department with all Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and Regional or Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices for the needs of each typhoon-affected region.

DOH said the deployment of Health Emergency Response Teams in the evacuation centers are also expected. Moreover, CAR, NCR, and Western Visayas quad cluster team composed of the Public Health Team, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Team, Nutrition Team, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Team are also on standby.

The DOH also reminded the public, especially those with children, the elderly, PWDs, and those living in high-risk areas to prepare their Emergency Go Bag and head to the designated evacuation centers early to maintain their safety from the threat of typhoon Pepito.

"May magagawa po tayo ngayon na mismo para protektahan ang ating pamilya at sarili. Lumikas ayon sa abiso ng lokal na pamahalaan. Umalis na sa mga lugar na bahain o kaya maaaring maglandslide. Lalo na po ang may sakit, buntis, bata, seniors, at PWDs. Handa po ang mga ospital at klinika ng DOH – sasamahan po namin kayo sa unos na ito. Makinig po sa abiso ng ating gobyerno," said Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. 

(We can do something right now to protect our family and ourselves. Evacuate according to local government notices. Leave areas that are prone to flooding or landslides. Especially the sick, pregnant women, children, seniors, and PWDs. DOH hospitals and clinics are ready – we will be with you in this storm. Please listen to our government's notice.)

"Atin din pong sundin ang abiso na ipagpaliban muna ang byahe sa malalayong lugar kagaya ng Bicol, Quezon, at iba pang lalawigang dadaanan ng bagyo para hindi mastranded. Antabayanan din ang anunsiyo para sa mga paaralan para ligtas ang kabataan," he added. 

(Let's also follow the advisory to postpone the flight to distant places such as Bicol, Quezon, and other provinces that the typhoon will pass through so as not to be stranded. Also, watch out for the announcement for schools to keep the youth safe.) —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News