Canlaon City Opens New Evacuation Centers for Mt. Kanlaon IDPs
Canlaon City Opens More Evacuation Centers as Mt. Kanlaon Eruption Displaces Thousands
Canlaon City, Negros Oriental – As the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon continues, the city government of Canlaon has scrambled to open additional evacuation centers to accommodate the growing number of displaced residents. Five centers are now fully operational, providing shelter for nearly 3,000 individuals.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Canlaon City Mayor Jose chubasco Cardenas. “These evacuation centers will provide them with a safe haven until it is safe to return home.”
The newly designated centers include the Macario Española Memorial School, the Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School Uptown Annex, the main campus of the same high school, the city gymnasium, and the Panubigan Elementary School.
SAFE GROUNDS. Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas (right) welcomes the internally displaced persons (IDPs) at a newly designated evacuation center on Wednesday evening (Dec. 11, 2024). The LGU has added more evacuation centers to accommodate close to 3,000 IDPs from five barangays within the 6-km. Permanent Danger Zone of the restive Mt. Kanlaon. (Photo courtesy of Canlaon City PIO)
As of Thursday midnight, 863 families, totaling 2,819 individuals, have sought refuge in these centers. These evacuees hail from five barangays located within Mt. Kanlaon’s 6-km. Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), where a mandatory evacuation order is in effect.
Edna Lhou Masicampo, the city’s facts officer, emphasized the city’s commitment to providing essential support to the evacuees. “we are working to ensure they have access to food, water, and other necessities,” she said.
To accommodate the influx, modular tents have been set up at the city gymnasium, while classrooms in the designated schools have been transformed into temporary living spaces.
Meanwhile, normal government operations in canlaon City have resumed after Mayor Cardenas lifted the suspension of work. While conditions have improved since Monday’s eruption, Cardenas urged government agencies to remain vigilant and prioritize public safety, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of the volcanic activity.
Interview with Canlaon City Official on Mt. Kanlaon Eruption
NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today about the ongoing situation at Mt. kanlaon. Can you provide us with an update on the number of evacuees and the capacity of the city’s evacuation centers?
Edna Lhou Masicampo,Canlaon City Facts Officer: As of Thursday midnight,we have 863 families,totalling 2,819 individuals,seeking refuge in our five evacuation centers. These centers are currently accommodating the needs of all evacuees.
NewsDirectory3.com: What measures are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those displaced by the eruption?
Edna Lhou Masicampo: The city government is fully committed to providing essential support to the evacuees. We have ensured they have access to food, water, and other necessities. At the city gymnasium, we have set up modular tents to increase capacity, and classrooms in the designated schools have been transformed into temporary living spaces.
NewsDirectory3.com: What is the current official stance of the city government regarding the eruption and the safety of its residents?
Edna Lhou Masicampo: While conditions have improved since Monday’s eruption, Mayor Cardenas has urged all government agencies to remain vigilant and prioritize public safety. We emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of the volcanic activity and are prepared to adapt our response as needed.
NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you for your time and details.We wish Canlaon City and its residents safety and resilience during this challenging time.