Mayon evacuees reel from water shortage in Tabaco City

TABACO CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — Mayon evacuees staying at a temporary shelter in Barangay Buang here are struggling with an erratic water supply, forcing them to ration water for their daily needs.

The evacuees said water rarely flowed from the faucets, and drums placed near the toilets were often empty.

“Drinking water is what we need the most,” said barangay Chair Eusebio Lorico. Albert Capus, a personnel of the city water district, said four water tanks at the evacuation center were being refilled using a fire truck to provide water for bathing and cleaning.

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“The water supply here has no steady flow,” he said on Monday.

Disruption

Workers were repairing the water tank and installing additional faucets to make it easier for evacuees to fetch water.

Gloria Callos, an evacuee, said the shortage had disrupted their daily activities, including doing laundry.

READ: Over 1,400 Albay folk still in evacuation centers after Mayon eruption

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“Dirty clothes have piled up because no water is available,” she said.

Lorico said a steady water supply was essential for keeping toilets clean and maintaining personal hygiene.

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They also appealed for a rainwater catchment system at the covered court to provide an alternative water source.

Aside from the water shortage, the evacuees complained of intense heat inside the evacuation center and sought vitamins and medicines, as some were suffering from coughs and colds.

Evacuees also appealed for thicker tarpaulins to cover their makeshift tents inside the covered court, saying these would protect them from rain and strong winds.

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“We want the thick ones so they will not easily tear or rip during strong winds, just like what we experienced before,” Callos said. /cb