The Canlaon City government in Negros Oriental is optimistic of receiving more disaster response funds and assistance following the Province’s declaration of a State of Calamity due to the ongoing threat posed by Mt. Kanlaon.
Edna Lhou Masicampo, Canlaon City’s information officer-designate, told the media on Wednesday the provincial government can now utilize its Quick Response Fund to support those affected by the volcanic activity.
“We are hopeful that more relief aid will come in, especially with the persistent threat of a major eruption,” Masicampo said.
On Tuesday, the Canlaon City government, and the Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction & Management Office conducted a simulation for an Alert Level 4 scenario, which would require evacuating residents from a 12-km. Permanent Danger Zone.
“The exercise helped us identify the challenges and risks of a major eruption, which could potentially affect the entire City,” she added.
Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas had earlier told reporters that if Alert Level 4 is declared, the residents within 14 kilometers from the volcano, which would include the people living in the City proper, would have to be evacuated to the neighboring towns of Vallehermoso, even Ayungon.
The city proper of Canlaon is 10 to 11 kilometers from the volcano’s crater.
Currently, 2,381 families (about 7,638 individuals) have been displaced, with 1,735 families temporarily living in 10 evacuation centers; the rest are housed with relatives.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology has maintained Alert Level 3 for Mt. Kanlaon due to ongoing magmatic unrest.
“No one has been allowed to return home since the Dec. 9 eruption because the threat remains,” Masicampo said.
Quoting Board Member Jessica Jane Villanueva, PDRRMO Chief Adrian Sedillo said the Provincial Board voted on Dec. 27 to place the Province under a State of Calamity, following Vallehermoso town’s earlier declaration. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
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Photo Caption: Kanlaon Volcano continues acting abnormally by emitting sulfuric gasses from time to time, as this Jan. 1st photo shows (PHIVOLCS photo)
