Manila, August 12: Health officials in the Philippines have issued a warning about the increased risk of waterborne and seasonal infectious diseases following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in northern regions. The Ilocos region continues to experience persistent rain and flooding due to the southwest monsoon.
Local media reports indicate that health centers in the Ilocos region are urging residents to take special precautions regarding their health amid the floods. Dr. Helen D. Tobias, the regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) for Ilocos, has advised the public to remain vigilant against leptospirosis, dengue, and other infectious diseases.
She explained that leptospirosis can occur when floodwaters become contaminated with animal urine. Individuals who come into contact with floodwater are advised to wash any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water, and to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms.
The electricity sector in the Philippines is also under pressure due to the rains and flooding. On Wednesday, red and yellow alerts were issued for the power grid in the central and southern parts of the country. The gap between available electricity capacity and demand has widened due to the shutdown of several power plants.
The situation regarding electricity supply in the Visayas region of central Philippines remains particularly challenging. The closure of several coal-fired power plants has reduced available capacity. According to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), six power plants in the Visayas region have been forcibly shut down in August, while more than 20 other plants have been unavailable since 2021.
A red alert was implemented in the Visayas grid on Wednesday, with available electricity capacity estimated at around 2,153 megawatts, while maximum demand is expected to reach 2,394 megawatts.
The Mindanao region in southern Philippines is also facing pressure on its electricity supply. Nine power plants have been forcibly shut down in August, while 11 plants have been unavailable since 2024. Additionally, nine other plants are operating at reduced capacity. The region has approximately 2,779 megawatts of electricity available, while maximum demand is projected to be around 2,689 megawatts.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by tropical storms Luis and Maymay, as well as the strong southwest monsoon.
The PNP has instructed police units in affected areas to remain alert and collaborate with local administrations to restore normal activities in communities impacted by the floods and storms.
According to police reports, as of Tuesday afternoon, 26 fatalities had been recorded due to weather-related incidents, including 25 civilians and one police officer.
PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartates Jr. stated that the police’s responsibilities extend beyond search and rescue operations. He emphasized that the police will remain actively involved in the recovery phase until affected communities return to normalcy.
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