FIVE evacuation centers for families affected by the landslide that struck Sitio Sindulan, Barangay Tina-an in the City of Naga have water sources tainted with E. Coli, or fecal coliform, a health official said Sunday, September 23.
Sporadic diarrhea cases have also been reported among evacuees since their arrival.
Personnel of the Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas took water samples from the Enan Chiong Activity Center (ECAC), Naga National High School, Naga Central Elementary School, Naalad Elementary School and the Apo-Cemex court last Saturday.
Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, DOH-Central Visayas’s medical task force head in the City of Naga, told reporters yesterday that based on their findings, around 19 water sources in the five sites were contaminated.
At ECAC, three mineral water dispensers and a refilling station tested positive for fecal coliform. A total of 516 families, or 1,411 individuals, are temporarily staying at ECAC.
At the Naga National High School, a faucet and a dispenser were found to be contaminated with fecal coliform. Around 255 families, or 1,178 individuals, are evacuated there.
At the Naga Central Elementary School, a faucet and a pressurized water tank are also contaminated. Around 319 families, or 1,440 individuals, are evacuated there.
A water dispenser and a water tank at the Naalad Elementary School were also found to be contaminated with fecal coliform. The school houses around 116 families, or 399 individuals.
At the APO-Cemez covered court, a water dispenser, a deep well and even a fire truck providing water to evacuees were found to be contaminated with fecal coliform. The facility houses 100 families, or 400 individuals.
Cañal also reported that 11 people have complained of sporadic diarrhea since arriving at the five evacuation centers.
Cañal said that aside from providing them with medical assistance, they are also investigating if the diarrhea cases are related to the tainted water sources.
During their investigation, Cañal found out that majority of the tainted water sources were near uncovered garbage receptacles or near toilets where contamination could easily occur.
Cañal recommended to City of Naga Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong to transfer garbage disposal bins or portable toilets away from water sources.
As much as possible, clean and potable water should be given to evacuees, she said.
Aside from sporadic diarrhea, Cañal said, they are also monitoring evacuees for other ailments.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts will continue for a few days.
Baltazar Tribunalo, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head, believes there is still for survivors buried under the rubble.
During an incident command meeting on Sunday, September 23, Mayor Chiong activated its role in managing the dead and the missing during disasters.
As a result, the City Incident Command Center will facilitate the identification of missing persons and fatalities.
The National Bureau of Investigation also activated its Disaster Victims Identification (unit in facilitating the collection of ante-mortem samples from evacuees whose relatives remain missing.