MANILA, Philippines – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the “urgent” evacuation of 87,000 people was already underway on Monday evening, December 9, after the eruption of Negros Island’s Kanlaon Volcano.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) had recommended that residents living within a 6-kilometer-radius of Kanlaon be forced to evacuate. The volcano was raised to Alert Level 3.
Around 46,900 residents — more than half of the individuals to be evacuated — live in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
“Authorities are focusing on Barangay Sag-ang (in La Castellana) due to prevailing westward wind directions, which pose additional risks from ashfall,” the OCD said.
“Transportation support is urgently needed for the evacuation of communities in Barangay Cabagnaan (also in La Castellana), as well as those in Himamaylan, Hinigaran, Isabela, Pontevedra, and Moises Padilla.”
Schools will be used as evacuation centers. Family food packs, hygiene kits, and face masks will be provided for evacuees.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said 105,857 family food packs have been prepositioned in Western Visayas and 84,537 in Central Visayas. More than a million family food packs in other regions can be delivered to the affected areas to augment supply if necessary, added Gatchalian.
The OCD said it has activated Task Force Kanlaon, chaired by OCD Western Visayas Regional Director Raul Fernandez, to oversee operations.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, also activated the National Inter-agency Coordinating Cell (IACC).
The IACC includes representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of the Interior and Local Government.
“The IACC will oversee the situation from Bago City, with representatives from regional agencies nominated to support the integrated response plan,” said the OCD.
In a worst-case scenario, Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City will serve as the primary evacuation center. The stadium would be able to shelter up to 30,000 evacuees, according to the OCD. – Rappler.com
