DOH monitors water safety in La Castellana

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Health (DOH)-6 is continuously monitoring water sources in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, to prevent an outbreak of diseases.

This follows the detection of contamination in samples from 13 water sources in the town, following the eruption of Kanlaon volcano early this month.

Despite this, Dr. Adriano Suba-an, DOH-6 director, emphasized in a media interview at the “Lab for All” activity on Thursday at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) in Bacolod City, that there are no major diarrheal cases in the town.

“We were alarmed because the results indicate a potential outbreak,” Suba-an said, adding that preventive measures are being implemented.

The June 3 eruption significantly affected the town, especially the villages situated at the foot of the volcano. Ashfall and lahar (mudflow) from the eruption also impacted the area.

Suba-an outlined the measures undertaken by the DOH as part of their close monitoring efforts, including continued chlorination of water sources, health education on proper handwashing and cleanliness, coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Municipal Engineering Department for water supply, and disinfection of water containers using aquatabs and chlorine (stock solution) before distribution.

Also part of the DOH actions are water testing for safe drinking, continuous monitoring of chlorine residuals in all drinking water at the evacuation center, and specimen collection by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) from symptomatic individuals.

Prior to these interventions, there had been complaints of stomach and abdominal pain in some areas of the town, prompting the ongoing DOH intervention.

Residents have been advised not to drink water from sources deemed unsafe.

Suba-an assured that there is an adequate supply of drinking water in the town from donations to the municipal government.

Kanlaon volcano remains under Alert Level 2, and residents have been advised to stay vigilant. Most residents have been allowed to return home after being displaced due to the eruption.