ANTIQUE – The Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Caluya, Antique reminded residents of the effects of the oil spill to their health.
“Ang oil spill ay nakakapagdulot ng maraming masamang epekto sa ating katawan at kalusugan,” said MHO-Caluya head Dr. Anna Marie Maubol Villalobos.
As of 2 p.m. yesterday, oil spill-affected families reached 7,198, or 25,733 individuals, from four areas in Caluya:
* Barangay Alegria – 900 families or 3,713 individuals
* Sitio Liwagao, Barangay Sibolo – 149 families or 628 individuals
* Sitio Sabang, Barangay Tinogboc – 967 families or 3,575 individuals
* Semirara Island – 5,212 families or 17,817 individuals
Here are some additional reminders from the MHO.
* Inhaling the fumes of the oil sludge could cause difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness and coughing.
* Exposure could also cause itchy eyes, increased blood pressure, an irregular heart rate, and trouble concentrating.
* Eating contaminated seafood could cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and loss of consciousness.
* Coming into contact with oil sludge could also cause skin irritations, including itching, blistering, burning, peeling and dermatitis.
“Panatilihin nating ligtas ang ating mga sarili at pamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng sapat na kaalaman ukon sa oil spill mula sa mga awtoridad,” the MHO added.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?
* Keep children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with lung diseases away from the oil spill-affected areas.
* Follow and monitor announcements by the local government.
* Wear face mask.
* Avoid coming into contact with oil sludge without proper personal protective equipment.
* Make sure that the water and food that the family and livestock consume are clean and safe.
* Avoid fishing in affected waters.
* Avoid swimming, bathing, washing, and staying near the affected areas.
* Go to the nearest health center or consult a Barangay Health Worker if you experience symptoms.
On Monday, the Sangguniang Bayan of Caluya declared a state of calamity.
“State of calamity shall be declared throughout the islands of the Municipality of Caluya until such time that the municipality will be oil spill-free and the local chief executive is given the authority to lift the declaration thereof after the determination of such oil spill-free status,” read part of the resolution./PN
