Four deaths in evacuation centres around Philippine volcano

Mayon Volcano in Albay province, 360 kilometres south-east of Manila, has been erupting since December 14, forcing 47,563 residents to flee their homes at the foot of the mountain.

The victims were a 3-year-old boy who died from parasite infection and three elderly residents who suffered heart attacks, said Luis Mendoza of the provincial health office.

The deaths occurred in different evacuation centres in two towns and one city, he said.

Mendoza said the deaths were caused by 'existing conditions' that were not a direct result of Mayon's eruption or the mass evacuation.

But he admitted that the ailments could have been exacerbated by the harsh conditions in 29 evacuation centres, where respiratory and skin diseases have become rampant.

'We are doing health surveillance everyday,' he said, adding that at least 10 medical teams from the Department of Health and the military were helping local doctors check on evacuees.