BAUAN, Batangas (PIA) – Disaster response authorities said the chemical spill that hit Bauan, Batangas on November 4 is under control.

In a report on November 8, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) IV-A said hazardous chemical identified as solvent naphtha leaked from an untightened drain plug that forced at least 53 families in the coastal village of San Miguel to evacuate.

Napththa solvent, commonly used as an additive in paints and thinner products, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat while prolonged exposure may lead to severe health conditions, the DSWD said.

DSWD Director for Calabarzon Barry Chua said the families, comprising of 248 individuals, have since returned to their homes after authorities declared the incident to be ‘under control.’

“A closure order was served on the company involved in the incident while an investigation is ongoing,” Chua added.

Reports showed the chemical had dissipated while containment and clean up operations in the affected shoreline were conducted.

Following the spill, affected residents underwent a health assessment from the Bauan health office and were provided with face masks to prevent possible inhalation of chemical fumes.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has also conducted chemical scooping and water sampling in the area.

The DSWD IV-A said it prepared non-food items amounting to Php 41,033,567.44 that are stored in their field office and satellite warehouses.

Standby funds amounting to Php 5,847,725.80 may be used for the procurement of additional raw materials.

“The Field Office [has] coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Bauan, Batangas regarding the details of the chemical spill incident,” Chua said in a report to DSWD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group Diana Rose Cajipe. (PB/PIA-4A; with reports from DSWD IV-A)