Manila, Oct. 21 -- The Department of Health - Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) is strengthening hospital and community preparedness to mitigate the potential health impacts of El Nino.

Dr. Deab Eltanal, acting chief of the DOH-NIR Local Health Division, said in an interview on Tuesday that measures include surveillance of climate-sensitive diseases, contingency plans for power and fuel supplies, and prepositioning medicines and water storage containers.

Eltanal urged the public to remain vigilant against waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever, gastroenteritis, and food poisoning, which may occur when water sources become contaminated during dry spells.

"Respiratory illnesses are also expected due to contaminants in the air, ...