Following the directive of President Marcos, the Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday, Nov. 10, said it is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) in areas expected to be affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Nika” (international name: Toraji) to evacuate high-risk individuals, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, young children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with pre-existing conditions.
It added that health facilities have been instructed to prioritize the admission of pregnant women at risk of complications.
"Ngayon ang tamang oras para maagang mailikas ang mga pamilyang nasa mga lugar na maaaring maapektuhan ng landslide o pagbaha dulot ng bagyong Nika. Nakikipag-ugnayan ang DOH sa mga lokal na pamahalaan para masigurong maagang mailikas ang mga may sakit, mga buntis, bata, senior citizens, at persons with disabilities (Now is the right time to evacuate families in areas at risk of landslides or flooding due to Severe Tropical Storm Nika. The DOH is coordinating with local governments to ensure the early evacuation of the sick, pregnant women, children, senior citizens, and PWDs),” DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said in a statement.
“Handa ang mga health facility at ospital ng DOH para masigurong tuloy-tuloy ang pagbibigay serbisyo sa kabila ng banta ng bagyo. Manatili po tayong alerto at sumunod sa abiso ng mga awtoridad tungkol sa paglikas habang malayo pa sa kalupaan ang bagyo (DOH health facilities and hospitals are ready to ensure continuous service despite the threat of the storm. Let us stay alert and follow the instructions of local authorities regarding evacuation, especially while the storm is still far from land),” he added.
The public is urged to stay alert and prepare by securing a “go bag” for each family.
Suggested items include a first aid kit (alcohol, pain relievers, wound cleansers, gauze/bandages, tweezers); medicines (for fever, cough, colds, diarrhea, and maintenance medications for conditions like hypertension and diabetes); a survival kit (flashlight, pocket knife with can opener, short rope, whistle, notebook in a waterproof bag, pencil); and personal items (clean clothes, towels, toiletries, blanket, charger/power bank, and a written list of emergency contacts).
The DOH also urged the public to heed all warnings and follow the instructions of local authorities.