Second National Communications 19 4.1 Albay The province of Albay is located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City. It is the second most populated province in the Bicol Region with 1,090,907 people (2000 census), which increased by 21% from 1990. High population density is found in Legazpi City, Tabaco City and Daraga. They comprise one-third of the provincial population, Legazpi City being the most populous. The population density in Albay is 427 persons per square kilometer. It has a household population of 1,089,752; and 208,640 number of households. There are nine government hospitals and 27 privately owned hospitals in the province (2006). There are 15 rural health units and 194 village (Barangay) health stations. Health professional to population ratio are: 1 doctor for every 31,200; 1 nurse for every 22,700, 1 midwife for every 6,300; 1 dentist for every 72,700. 87.9 percent of households have access to potable water and 54 percent have access to sanitary toilet facilities.29 Health Statistics Malnutrition Rate (Severe): Infant Mortality Rate: 1.43% 11.9 / 1000 livebirths Maternal Mortality Rate: 0.83 / 1000 livebirths Being located in the typhoon belt, the province experiences two major typhoons annually. In November 2006, Albay was one of the areas hardest-hit by Typhoon Reming (International name: Durian. The typhoon brought 466 millimeters of rainfall, the highest in 40 years. Some communities in Albay were buried under tons of rocks and mud that rushed down from the Mayon Volcano’s slopes during the typhoon. Three other major typhoons hit Daraga in 2006: Tropical Storm Caloy (Chanchu), Typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane), and Typhoon Seniang (Utor).30 Two years ((November 2007) ago typhoons Lando (Hagibis) and Mina (Mitag) affected 69,465 families in Region 5.Both typhoons caused flashfloods and landslides.31 The largest damage to date from extreme events came from typhoon Reming (Nov 2006). The following health effects were gathered from the Provincial Health Office and the NDCC. Most of the cases were traumatic injuries in nature. LGUs requested for Anti-Tetanus Serum (ATS), Oresol, chlorine tablets, and medicines. Evacuation centers were congested; anticipating for possible increase in diarrhea, 29 Department of Health, Bicol Health Profile, 2006. Department of Social Welfare and Development, Data on Disasters, 2005-2007. 31 Albay Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council Official Website, http.// www.albay.gov.ph 30