BACOLOD CITY — Local government units (LGUs) surrounding Kanlaon Volcano are on high alert, with contingency plans activated to mitigate potential impacts should the volcano’s activity escalate.
Sitting at the foot of the active volcano, LGUs in the vicinity are taking a proactive approach, positioning resources to respond swiftly to any potential emergencies.
In Bago City, the contingency plan for a worst-case scenario has been activated in response to the recent ashing activity from Kanlaon. Ryan Valero, the city’s local disaster risk reduction and management officer (LDRRMO), confirmed that residents from high-risk villages are aware of designated pick-up points should pre-emptive or mandatory evacuations be ordered.
Valero emphasized the importance of individual preparedness, urging families to prepare “go bags” or survival kits containing essential supplies for at least three days. These kits should include food, water, first-aid supplies, and other necessary items to sustain individuals during a potential evacuation.
The proactive measures taken by LGUs around Kanlaon demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities. The activation of contingency plans and the emphasis on individual preparedness are crucial steps in mitigating the potential risks posed by volcanic activity.
“We have ample food and non-food items prepared already. We have here a stock pile in our gender-sensitive evacuation center, which is temporarily ginhimo nga logistics hub sang Bago City for our forward deployment.”
(We have ample food and non-food items prepared already. We have here a stock pile in our gender-sensitive evacuation center, which was temporarily made into a logistics hub of Bago City for forward deployment.)
“Continue to monitor and update. Listen to radio stations and forecast advisories from the DOST-Phivolcs,” he added.
Meanwhile, in La Carlota city, public information officer Maria Carmela Valencia said that residents still go on with their usual daily routine but local authorities are keeping a close eye on the volcano and assured the public of the city government’s readiness in a worst-case scenario.
“Naga-observe gid kami sa Mt. Kanlaon kay right now Alert Level 2 tayo kag naga-continue ang iya nga degassing.”
(We are closely observing Mt. Kanlaon since, right now, we are at alert level 2 and the degassing continues)
Valencia added that La Carlota City is prepared, saying “We make sure nga constantly may supply gid na ya dira sa evacuation center.”
(We make sure that there is constant supply in our evacuation center.)
Closest to Kanlaon and most often directly affected, the town of La Castellana continues to provide aid to families who remain in evacuation centers, since return to their homes within the 4-km danger zone is prohibited.
Public Information Officer Remuel Lajo said LGU La Castellana is also taking steps to permanently relocate these families to safer ground.
With multiple evacuations held in previous months, LGU La Castellana has seen a decline in their resources, but the Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assure that standby food and non-food items are sufficient. (AGP/ED/PIA Negros Occidental)
