The Department of Health (DOH) has so far assisted over 29,000 evacuees from nine regions that have been affected by Severe Tropical Storm "Crising" (international name Wipha) and the enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat."

Based on the latest data provided by the DOH Health Alert Reporting System, the number of evacuees in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Cordillera Administrative Region has reached 29,814.

The DOH reminded evacuees to maintain personal hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water, using alcohol if soap and water are not available, and washing hands before eating.

The Health department also urged evacuees to only use personal items, such as combs and towels, whenever possible.

“Diseases can spread easily in evacuation centers because there are many people in one place,” the agency said.