TEN regions have been placed under code white alert by the Department of Health (DOH) in anticipation of the onslaught of Typhoon Pepito.

In a statement, the Department of Health announced that the Code White alert was triggered in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao, all of which are expected to feel the effects of “Pepito.”

“Under the Code White alert, all health personnel and public hospital staff are on standby to provide immediate response to those who will need medical attention due to the typhoon,” the Ministry of Health said. Health.

“All DOH hospitals and clinics are ready. We will be with you in the face of this calamity,” he adds.

The department said health emergency response teams have also been put on standby for possible deployment to evacuation centers in the said regions.

Public health teams from the Ministry of Health are also ready to be deployed; The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene teams; Nutrition teams; and mental health and psychosocial support teams.

Additionally, the DOH Health Development Centers (CHDs) in the 10 regions will also be in close coordination with the relevant regional or provincial disaster risk reduction and management offices.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), “Pepito” is expected to make landfall in Catanduanes on Saturday evening or early Sunday.

“Pépito” intensified into a super typhoon on Saturday before making landfall on Saturday.

Given the projected intensity and strength of the typhoon, the Ministry of Health urges the public in the path of “Pepito” to conduct preventive evacuation.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said this is particularly aimed at people with young children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

“Evacuate once advised by your local government. Leave communities prone to flooding or landslides,” Herbosa said. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)