MANILA, Philippines — Up to 4,454 families or 14,186 people spent their Christmas and will most likely spend the New Year in evacuation centers on Negros Island as Kanlaon Volcano continues to show signs of unrest.
Yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 20 volcanic earthquakes and two ash emission events as it maintained Alert Level 3, signifying intensified unrest or magmatic unrest in Kanlaon.
The Office of Civil Defense said the displaced families are being hosted and taken care of in at least 32 temporary shelters in Western and Central Visayas. The OCD said that more than P123 million worth of assistance has been provided to affected residents by the national government, local government units and various groups.
Although only over 4,000 families are staying in shelters, the OCD said Kanlaon’s volcanic activities have actually affected 11,883 families.
“The affected populations span multiple barangays in the two regions, necessitating immediate and ongoing support. As of Dec. 26, a total of 11,883 families, comprising 45,526 people, have been affected across 32 barangays in Regions 6 and 7,” the OCD announced yesterday.
Additionally, the OCD noted that 2,185 families or 6,953 people were also displaced, but are staying outside evacuation centers.
The OCD said the estimated damage to agriculture stands at P33.5 million in Western Visayas alone, with approximately 830 farmers and fisherfolk affected.
“Specifically, 34.54 hectares of crops have been reported as destroyed, while 263.51 hectares are damaged but have a chance of recovery,” the OCD reported.
According to the agency, the entire province of Negros Occidental and Canlaon City and Vallehermoso town in the Oriental side are under a state of calamity due to the ongoing volcanic activity.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier prepositioned funds to support relief efforts, including the P31.96 million in Quick Response Funds in the DSWD main office, P5 million in DSWD field offices and P40.88 million in other DSWD field offices that may support relief needs.
“As the situation continues to evolve, local and national agencies remain committed to providing support and resources to affected communities in Negros Occidental and surrounding areas,” the OCD said. – Pia Lee-Brago