COTABATO CITY (July 14) — As floods and landslides triggered by Typhoon Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon battered parts of Lanao del Sur, health authorities have mobilized emergency teams to ensure that surviving families are protected not only from the disaster itself but also from disease outbreaks in its aftermath.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Lanao del Sur has activated its Health Emergency Alert Reporting System and deployed Emergency Health Response Teams (EHRTs) across the province to provide immediate medical assistance and monitor public health conditions in affected communities.
Dr. Alinader D. Minalang, IPHO-Lanao del Sur chief, said a quick response team was dispatched to Calanogas immediately after a landslide on Friday that killed seven people.
“It was Friday, and we sent a team to help in the emergency health needs of affected families,” Minalang said, noting that health workers remained on duty throughout the weekend.
Eight municipalities—Balabagan, Calanogas, Kapatagan, Malabang, Masiu, Marogong, Picong, and Sultan Dumalondong—were hit by flooding, landslides, overflowing rivers, fallen trees, and power and communication outages brought by the combined effects of the typhoon and monsoon.
Provincial health data showed that 1,224 families, or 6,120 individuals, from 41 villages were affected. Authorities confirmed seven deaths, four missing persons, and five injuries, while 75 families were temporarily evacuated. Most displaced residents are staying with relatives or in home-based evacuation arrangements, according to the Ministry of Social Services and Development.
Despite the devastation, no disease outbreaks have been reported as of the latest monitoring.
To keep it that way, EHRTs have been conducting medical consultations, first aid, rapid health assessments, disease surveillance, and health education in affected communities. They have also distributed essential medicines, hygiene kits, emergency medical supplies, and tetanus vaccines for residents with open wounds, while referring patients needing specialized treatment to Dr. Serapio Montañer Sr. Memorial Hospital.
“Preparedness is our strongest defense against disasters,” Minalang said as he urged local government units to strengthen disaster risk reduction for health through better planning, adequate emergency supplies, trained responders, and more resilient health facilities.
Bangsamoro Ministry of Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. commended the swift response of provincial health workers and called on local governments across the Bangsamoro region to sustain disaster preparedness efforts.
“Together, we respond with compassion. Together, we recover with resilience. Together, we build a healthier Lanao del Sur,” Sinolinding said.
