CEBU, Philippines — More than P43.3 million worth of help has so far been provided to thousands of families most affected by the recent eruption and continuing unrest of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) said authorities are coordinating closely to ensure the safety of those displaced and the proper management of resources.
Funds being used for humanitarian assistance are coming from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations (NGOs).
“Additionally, 240,529,237.22 pesos worth of standby funds and relief stockpiles are available in DSWD Field Offices VI and VII, constituting 186,328 units of family food packs,” the NDRRMC said.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said it is planning to further expand the extended permanent danger zone around Mount Kanlaon from six kilometers to 10 kilometers following the effect of a low-pressure area (LPA) (former tropical depression Querubin) off Mindanao which poses a risk of lahar flow in Negros Island.
“We’re also planning to move the evacuation centers that are still within that range, from six to 10 kilometers, to at least outside of the 14 km radius,” OCD Western Visayas Director and Task Force Kanlaon chairperson Raul Fernandez said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel on Wednesday.
At present, the OCD said there are 29 evacuation centers in Negros Island, along with 10 family tents set up in La Carlota City and based on a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) report, the government has achieved a 99.17 percent evacuation rate of residents in the permanent danger zone, totaling 5,772 families or 18,475 persons.
Fernandez assured the public that there are sufficient food and non-food items for the evacuees coming from the government and from generous donors.
However, as residents may need to remain in evacuation centers until after the New Year, the OCD official appealed for more diverse food choices and recreational and educational materials for children.
“Based on the assessment of Phivolcs, there’s still a huge possibility of an explosive eruption anytime. This is based on the volcanic activity that is ongoing, including volcanic earthquakes,” Fernandez said, adding that passes are being issued to evacuees who need to temporarily check on their homes and properties.
“While we need to ensure the safety of residents, we can’t discount the fact that most of their livelihood is left behind. That’s why the LGUs issued camp passes for designated family members who will return to feed animals or take care of farm chores. We’re giving them a window period to conduct this activity between 6: a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” he said. FPL (CEBU NEWS)