DOH declares Code White Alert for Super Typhoon Pepito

The Department of Health (DOH) has declared a Code White Alert and is on high alert in preparation for Super Typhoon Pepito, which is expected to hit several parts of Luzon this weekend.

Emergency response teams across regions including NCR, CAR, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas are on standby to respond quickly to medical needs arising from the typhoon.

The DOH coordinates closely with regional health offices and disaster management agencies to ensure a rapid response in affected areas, particularly in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Cordillera region, and NCR.

Health Emergency Response Teams will be deployed to evacuation centers while specialized teams for public health, water sanitation, nutrition, and mental health support are also prepared; the DOH has secured generator sets, allocated PHP600,000 worth of logistical support, and stocked essential medicines in hospitals across Metro Manila.

Storm surge warnings have been raised in several coastal areas, with heights ranging from 1 to 3 meters in various regions including Albay, Aurora, Batangas, Biliran, Camarines Sur, Eastern Samar, Isabela, La Union, Leyte, Marinduque, Masbate, Northern Samar, Pangasinan, Quezon, Samar, Sorsogon, and Zambales.

Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged the public, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and PWDs, to prepare emergency kits and evacuate early as advised by local authorities.