The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now studying additional mechanisms to protect internally displaced persons (IDPs) in evacuation centers in Albay from the effects of extreme heat amid the continued unrest of Mayon Volcano.

According to DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao, the agency is closely monitoring the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly among vulnerable evacuees such as senior citizens and pregnant women staying in temporary shelters.

“Also looking at mechanisms, how to protect our IDPs from the effects of the elevated heat temperatures. Mainit kasi yung panahon,” Dumlao said, noting that evacuees in the area are also experiencing the impact of soaring temperatures.

The DSWD said water trucks have already been deployed to ensure continuous access to clean water for evacuees in the affected communities.

“So, nakadeploy din yung ating water truck… merong mga IDPs na umiigib po ng tubig doon sa ating mga water trucks,” Dumlao added.

The agency has also sought assistance from the Department of Health (DOH) for regular health surveillance and monitoring in evacuation centers to immediately detect possible cases of heat-related illnesses.

“'Yung mga elderly people, 'yung mga pregnant women ay hindi po masyadong naapektuhan ng mataas na temperatura,” Dumlao said.

At the same time, the DSWD is considering retrofitting evacuation centers to improve insulation and ventilation inside camps and temporary tents.

“Currently discussing how to retrofit our evacuation centers para maprotektahan nga po, ma-insulate yung ating mga camps, mga tents from the effects of the elevated heat temperatures,” Dumlao explained.

Based on the latest DSWD data, more than 4,000 individuals remain displaced and are currently staying in 12 evacuation sites across the Bicol Region due to the renewed volcanic activity of Mayon Volcano.