The Department of Health (DoH) raised a Code White alert Saturday to ensure a prompt response to the possible effects of severe tropical storm “Queenie” (international name: “Surigae”).

Under a Code White Alert, the DoH Operations Center remains on alert 24/7 for immediate response to affected communities.

Health emergency teams, health commodities and emergency rooms at DoH hospitals are also on standby to respond to road accidents, injuries and other health emergencies.

The DoH continues to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, local government units and regional disaster units over Queenie.

Queenie, which was expected to intensify into a typhoon within the day, was not forecast to make landfall or directly affect the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its 11 a.m. bulletin Saturday.