QUEZON CITY — The Regional Task Force Kanlaon Emergency Operation Center has been established in Bago City, with plans to set up a Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell in Bacolod City.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VI, a total of 3,008 families, comprising 9,870 individuals, have been evacuated from 20 barangays in Negros Occidental as of 1:00 AM today. Meanwhile, OCD Region VII has reported the evacuation of 83 families, totaling 247 individuals.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is prioritizing aerial assessments, with the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) providing logistical support for transport.
PHIVOLCS has issued a recommendation for mandatory evacuation for areas within a 6-kilometer radius of the main crater and the eruptive center. Further details on the specific areas affected will be released as the situation develops.
– 0 to 1 km: Ilijan, Bago City, Negros Occidental
– 0 to 1 km: Ara-al, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
– 0 to 1 km: Yubo, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
– 0 to 1 km: Biaknabato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental
– 0 to 1 km: Cabagnaan, La Castellana, Negros Occidental
– 0 to 1 km: Masulog, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
– 0 to 1 km: Pula, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
– > 1 to 2 km: Malaiba, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
– > 2 to 3 km: Mailum, Bago City, Negros Occidental
– > 2 to 3 km: Mansalanao, La Castellana, Negros Occidental
– > 2 to 3 km: Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental
– > 2 to 3 km: Codcod, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
– > 2 to 3 km: Lumapao, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
– > 4 to 5 km: Masulog, La Castellana, Negros Occidental
– > 5 to 6 km: Linothangan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
As of 8:00 PM on December 9, 2024, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VII has reported the evacuation of 83 families, totaling 247 individuals. The OCD VII is currently developing a strategy to facilitate the evacuation of more people, which will be communicated to the Task Force Commander. Assistance from the regional office Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is needed to enhance risk communication and reinforce evacuation advisories in Negros Oriental.
In Region VI, the projected requirement is for 60,945 family food packs to support 20,805 families over the next 15 days. All evacuation centers are secured and located in areas safe from flooding, landslides, and other potential hazards. As of 1:00 AM on December 10, 2024, there are 3,008 families, or 9,870 individuals, currently inside evacuation centers in 20 barangays in Negros Occidental. The OCD VI is working to identify and address any gaps and challenges in the evacuation centers.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reported that 80,000 family food packs are available on Negros Island. DSWD Region VI has requested 5,000 non-food items, preferably hygiene kits, and plans to deploy 100 water filtration kits to various evacuation centers.
The Negros Oriental Government Information Center, in coordination with the Canlaon City Public Information Office, has issued localized public advisories that are being shared on social media platforms. Due to a low turnout of evacuees, the PIA will intensify efforts to encourage more people to evacuate, utilizing community radio stations to spread the message.
The Department of Health (DOH) is continuously coordinating with regional offices VI, VII, and NIR to monitor the health situation of evacuees. Health Quad Clusters, focusing on water, sanitation, hygiene, mental health and psychosocial support, nutrition, and medical care, are currently addressing the needs of those affected. The DOH is also in coordination with the World Health Organization regarding the availability of N95 masks. Additionally, a health advisory was released on December 9, 2024, in response to ongoing ashfall in several areas affected by Kanlaon, with plans to share this information with the PIA.
The Regional Task Force Kanlaon Emergency Operation Center is now established in Bago City, and a Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell will be set up in Bacolod City. The task force plans to schedule a meeting with the governors of the affected regions. Both Regions VI and VII are actively assessing the situation and engaging in localized scenario planning.
In Region VII, there is an urgent need for family tents and water. The National Capital Region is prepared to provide and deploy 1,000 family tents along with water supplies. The 542nd Engineering Construction Battalion warehouse facility in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, is on standby to support relief efforts. Additionally, personnel from Region V will be deployed to Region VI to assist in the response.
Local government units require technical assistance to formulate a Resettlement Action Plan.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has directed an intensified effort to communicate evacuation messages. Local radio stations such as Bombo Radyo and Aksyon Radyo will be utilized to reach more people. Ensuring the evacuation of individuals in Canlaon City remains a priority.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology will conduct surveys and aerial assessments, which are top priorities for the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Task Force Kanlaon Commander, Director Fernandez, will coordinate with Secretary Gatchalian, who is currently in La Castellana, to provide updates on the establishment of Task Force Kanlaon and the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell. (OCD)
