Kanlaon evacuees hit by respiratory illnesses
BACOLOD CITY—Health officials were working double time to prevent an outbreak of respiratory ailments in evacuation centers and in villages in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, due to elevated sulfur dioxide emissions from Mt. Kanlaon.
In a statement Tuesday, the local government said respiratory issues remained a top concern with many evacuees complaining about the strong foul odor of sulfur dioxide. So far, the city has recorded at least 22 evacuees with cough and colds.
Canlaon Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has ordered the use of face masks to mitigate respiratory hazards.
The city government, in coordination with the Department of Health, was closely monitoring the health of evacuees, who mostly came from the danger zone of the volcano. —CARLA P. GOMEZ INQ
