Cash aid for Kanlaon evacuees

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 3,250 individuals in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, received cash assistance to help support their daily needs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD)-7 through its disaster response operations

The DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program was able to distribute a total of ?8.9 million to affected families.

They were given a one-time cash aid of ?2,000 or ?3,000 to all the affected families within the six-kilometer radius of the volcano.

Last December 21 and 22 and 26 to 27, the DSWD 7 Quick Response Team led the distribution of cash assistance to beneficiaries in all 10 camps.

A total of 818 individuals belonging to the vulnerable sectors, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and indigenous peoples, received ?2,000, while the 700 displaced persons who preferred to live outside the designated evacuation centers received ?3,000.

Aside from cash assistance, DSWD-7 also provided the affected families with food and non-food items. There was also technical assistance to local government units in setting up evacuation shelters and on donation management.

DSWD-7 regional director and QRT chairwoman Shalaine Marie Lucero said that the distribution of the cash relief as a help for the affected families.

"Though small, the cash relief will allow them to make ends meet, especially at times where there is great uncertainty and anxiety that continues to disturb them because of isolation in the camps," said Lucero.

While families are seeking temporary shelter in the camps, the DSWD personnel assigned to camp coordination and camp management continue to conduct structured activities and design interventions necessary to help them during their stay.

Kanlaon update

The latest 24-hour observation report, released noon yesterday showed that the Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3.

During the observation period by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), 27 volcanic earthquakes were recorded.

The emission of sulfur dioxide was measured at 5,840 tons per day last January 3, which indicated a sustained release of volcanic gases.

Kanlaon’s crater exhibited moderate steaming, with continuous gas emissions forming a plume that rose up to 750 meters above the summit.

With the status of alert level 3, government agencies continue to advise locals to abstain from entering the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano. — (FREEMAN)