QUEZON CITY — As the threat of eruption from Kanlaon Volcano intensifies, an urgent evacuation operation is underway, affecting approximately 87,000 residents in the surrounding areas.
Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has activated the National Inter-agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) to coordinate response efforts, emphasizing the necessity for in-person duty from member agencies at the NDRRMOC starting tomorrow, December 10, 2024.
The gravity of the situation is particularly acute in La Castellana, where an estimated 46,900 individuals are within the 4-6 km danger zone. Authorities are focusing on Barangay Sag-ang due to prevailing westward wind directions, which pose additional risks from ashfall. Transportation support is urgently needed for the evacuation of communities in Barangay Cabagnaan, as well as those in Himamaylan, Hinigaran, Isabela, Pontevedra, and Moises Padilla. A staging area has been established in front of the La Castellana municipal hall, and schools with suspended classes will be utilized as evacuation centers.
In preparation for the worst-case scenario, Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City has been designated as the primary evacuation center, with the capacity to accommodate up to 30,000 evacuees. Water tanks will be prepositioned in evacuation centers to ensure an adequate supply. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is mobilizing resources, including the deployment of 2,100 face masks and 1,000 family hygiene kits to Bacolod City, alongside requests for a water filtration truck from the OCD Rapid Deployment Team.
Guimaras has also been affected by ashfall, and Bago City has recorded ashfall and sulfur odors in several barangays, prompting ongoing evacuation efforts. The anticipated needs in Bago City include face masks and additional support for evacuees. In San Carlos, while no evacuation has been initiated yet, La Carlota City has experienced sulfur odors and minor ashfall.
In Region VII (Negros Oriental), 50 families have been evacuated to Española Memorial School, and ongoing forced evacuations are affecting around 1,800 families and 5,000 individuals across five barangays within a 6 km danger zone. The OCD has activated Task Force Kanlaon, chaired by RD Raul Fernandez, to oversee operations across both Region VI and Region VII. Additional military resources from the 303rd and 302nd Infantry Divisions are being deployed to assist in the evacuation efforts. Anticipated needs in the evacuation centers include face masks, food packs, and family packs.
Secretary Teodoro has directed the Regional Director of OCD Western Visayas to assume command of the overall Task Force operations, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and assessment across the affected areas. The IACC will oversee the situation from Bago City, with representatives from regional agencies nominated to support the integrated response plan.
Evacuation centers have been established as follows:
– Brgy. Lag-asan, Bago City, Negros Occidental
– Brgy. Tabao, Sagay City, Negros Occidental
– Brgy. Rizal, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
– Barrio Vista Alegre, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
– Brgy. Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
– Brgy. Sibucao, San Enrique, Negros Occidental
– Brgy. Ill, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental
– Brgy. Taculing, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
– Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental
– Brgy. Cubay, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
– Sitio Canlayuhan, Brgy. Gil Montilla, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
As communities brace for further developments, the OCD is actively coordinating the provision of essential supplies, including face masks, food packs, and mobile kitchens to support evacuees.
The immediate focus remains on safeguarding the health and safety of those impacted by the volcanic activity. (OCD)
