NDRRMC: 850 people seek medical attention due to volcanic smog
Around 850 individuals suffered from respiratory-related illnesses as a result of the volcanic smog that hit Batangas and other areas near the Taal Volcano last week, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday, Sept. 28.
NDRRMC deputy spokesman Diego Mariano said most of those who were hospitalized were from around 19 areas in the province of Batangas, particularly in towns near the volcano where the volcanic smog came from.
“Most of those 850 individuals are seniors and children. They sought medical attention after they complained of difficulty in breathing and other respiratory-related illnesses after inhaling volcanic fumes,” said Mariano during the Bagong Pilipinas briefing.
But Mariano said there was no case of serious illness as almost of those who sought medical attention were outpatients.
While no volcanic smog were monitored in the areas previously affected, Mariano said it is still present at the volcano island.
This is the reason, according to him, why the area is still off limits to people.
Mariano said the NDRRMC is continuously proving assistance to the affected areas, including the distribution of face masks.