More than a million survivors of the recent floods in the Philippines are being provided with antibiotics in a bid to prevent the spread of disease.

In the wake of the floods, diseases such as leptospirosis, which is caused by rat urine, have broken out. The disease has already claimed close to 100 lives. The E. coli bacterium, which can cause serious food poisoning in humans, has also appeared in drinking water.

In the past four weeks, the Philippines have been struck by two typhoons: Ketsana and Parma. More than 800 people have died. Now the archipelago is under threat from a new typhoon. Although observers are not certain that it will strike the Philippines, emergency supplies are being stockpiled, rescue crews are on standby and coastal residents are being told to prepare for possible evacuation.

Photo of mudslides after the storm by ANP/EPA