Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) is urging residents affected by the Navotas Sanitary Landfill fire to stay indoors and use specialized face masks to protect themselves against hazardous smoke and fine particulate matter.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Undersecretary Albert Domingo noted that while local authorities aim to extinguish the blaze by the end of April, immediate personal health precautions are necessary for those living near the site. He emphasized avoiding the area and maintaining a safe distance as the best preventive measure, especially when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is poor.

Domingo advised residents to keep windows and doors closed and stressed that standard surgical masks might not be enough to filter out PM2.5 particles, which can deeply penetrate the lungs. He recommended following local government announcements on AQI levels provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The DOH also addressed reports of haze in Metro Cebu, warning that PM2.5 particles can exacerbate pre-existing conditions by entering the circulatory system. Heart conditions may worsen, leading to additional complications, while respiratory diseases like asthma and emphysema may trigger acute attacks. High-risk individuals, including children and senior citizens, are advised to monitor AQI warnings and seek cleaner air when necessary.

In Obando, Bulacan, where evacuation efforts are complicated by geographic isolation, the DOH confirmed the deployment of medical assets to assist residents. The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team has established a mobile hospital near an evacuation center to provide immediate care for respiratory and other health concerns.

The Navotas LGU task force is actively working to expedite fire suppression efforts at the landfill site, although officials acknowledge the scale of the area presents a challenge.