Due to Storm Julia, Health activates the red alert to prepare its services

The Ministry of Public Health and Social Aid (MSPAS) indicated, Saturday, October 8, that the Health Emergency Operations Center activated the institutional red alert in the National Health Services Network due to the passage of Tropical Storm Julia the next day. days.

According to the health file, this measure was put in place due to increased rainfall in the national territory due to the storm that is expected to affect Guatemala between Monday and Tuesday, although it is not known of any strength, according to the state’s National Institute. Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh).

He added that this level of alert may vary depending on the circumstances that arise, whether at the national or local level, taking into account the emergency plan to take care of negative events on health.

What actions will you take?

The health file emphasized that in this case, health services must activate emergency operations centers (COEs) of the national, administrative and municipal health, as well as immediate response teams at various levels.

MSPAS will also request the mobilization of teams and resources from the COEs to the regions and territories affected in some way, as well as the coordination and implementation of response actions on a permanent basis through that center.

Insivumeh predicts that Tropical Storm Julia, after becoming a hurricane in Nicaragua, will enter Guatemala as a tropical storm starting on Sunday with intermittent rain and drizzle, to begin the rainy season that will continue into the beginning of the week. https://t.co/4C2CvCN7sv

– La Hora newspaper October 8, 2022

The Center of Excellence of the National Coordinator System for Disaster Reduction (COND) participates according to their respective level. He added that damage assessments and health needs analysis will be conducted through institutional tools.

Health stated that it will monitor the development of the event, its development and impact on an ongoing basis, and will use resources according to demand and what is planned, as well as activating the referral and counter-referral system in accordance with the standards of care.

He stressed that he will adhere to treatments in accordance with the standards of care for vulnerable groups, as well as identify and coordinate health and mental care for people in shelters, as well as develop strategies that ensure emergency medical care, and monitor the quality of water, excreta and waste.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that it will intensify measures to control vectors of diseases and pests in all environments, especially in shelters, while maintaining epidemiological surveillance and providing medicines and supplies.

In the face of current warnings of storms to be presented in Guatemalan territory, in this July note we remind you of the importance of the 72-Hour Backpack. Here are the details 👇🏻 #TheTimeToUpdate https://t.co/yVWV0U7UMC

– La Hora newspaper October 8, 2022

Storm Julia will affect GT

Insifume reported that Storm Julia could become a hurricane before it affects Nicaragua, but it will hit Guatemala as a tropical depression, possibly next Monday, with indirect and indirect effects appearing on Sunday, October 9, with intermittent rain and drizzle.