Wednesday, October 04, 2006 Oil spill related consultations decline: health
THE number of oil spill related consultations, are on the decline according to the report of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Western Visayas during the Task Force Solar Oil Spill press briefing.
The decline was noted to start since the third week of September, especially after the provision of the half face respirator masks.
The health department was also happy to announce that no consultations were done in the two hospitals for the last eight days.
DOH director for Western Visayas Lydia Ramos said they are just waiting for the official results from the Disease Control of Atlanta before they can issue a final statement that the residents can return to their residences from the evacuation centers.
"Next week, we are expecting the Disease Control of Atlanta, US experts to assist the DOH as to the issuance of the final statement that the area is safe for people to return to their home," Ramos said.
Philippine National Police-Western Visayas Director Geary Barias who presided over Tuesday's briefing said that around 129.55 kilometers in Guimaras province have already been covered for clean up operations, with an estimated volume of 2,045.26 metric tons of collected oil debris.
He said the Task Force Solar Oil Spill has undergone series of workshops to come up with the detailed work plans on oil spill management; Communication, Relief and Rehabilitation; and Environment and Natural Resources Rehabilitation.
The task force also organized four multi-sectoral inspection teams to conduct a science-based inspection and assessment in every affected barangays prior to the issuance of the clean bill of health, Barias said. (PIA)
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