NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) — About 4,000 residents of La Castellana town in this province who were evacuated after Mt. Kanlaon erupted on June 3 have been allowed to return home, while those whose houses are within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remained in the evacuation center.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer John Asis said the figure comprised 1,400 families that were transported back to their respective barangays and given relief packs.
Asis added that the evacuees were asked to be vigilant as the volcano remains restive and could erupt again at any time. They were also warned about drinking locally sourced water, which could be contaminated and might aggravate their situation.
He said the municipality of La Castellana delivers about 3,000 to 4,000 liters of drinking water to barangays Mansalanao, Cabagna-an, and Biak-na-Bato from the Philippine Red Cross’ two trucks with thousands of liters of chlorinated water and a filtering truck from the Office of the Civil Defense.
If Mt. Kanlaon erupts anew, Asis said the local government is prepared to assist affected families with its 15 trucks and eight light vehicles, while the sugarcane truck owners will also provide five trucks, and the provincial government will deploy two Ceres liner buses.
“I am appealing to the people of La Castellana to always be prepared in case of another eruption or any other hazards by having a go bag containing clothes, flashlights, food supplies, money, and other essential things. Above all, let us all pray for our safety,” he added.
For his part, La Castellana Information Officer Remue Lajo said that 16 families composed of 52 individuals living within the PDZ were not yet allowed to return home and are still staying at covered courts in Brgys. Masulog and Biak-na-Bato. (AAL/Lljr/PIA 6 Negros Occidental)
