Marcos Provides P60 Million Aid for Kanlaon Volcano Eruption Victims
Marcos Provides $1.2 Million in Aid to kanlaon Volcano Eruption Victims
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has allocated P60 million (approximately $1.2 million) to assist those affected by the recent activity of Kanlaon Volcano in the Philippines. The aid,split equally between Canlaon City and Negros Oriental Province,was delivered by Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr. during a meeting with local officials and disaster management representatives.The Negros Oriental provincial government faced challenges in declaring a State of Calamity due to legal restrictions requiring at least two cities or municipalities to be affected. Meanwhile, Canlaon City officials reported thay could only sustain support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) for three to four days, emphasizing the urgent need for national assistance.
“The city recommended that further funds be allocated specifically for response efforts affecting the six local government units involved,” the Office of Civil Defence (OCD) stated. ”Current conditions were complex by low signal bandwidth in Canlaon City, hindering communication and coordination efforts. Additionally, the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for Canlaon City was already depleting, impacting its ability to provide necessary support.”
Joel Erestain, OCD Central Visayas chief and Regional Task Force Kanlaon vice chairperson, expressed gratitude for the President’s aid, highlighting its significance for the displaced population, notably those spending the holiday season in evacuation centers.
“This funding will significantly ease the burdens of those affected by the Kanlaon eruption,” Erestain said. “It is a crucial step in ensuring that our communities receive the support they need during this challenging time.”
In addition to the financial aid, the OCD Central Office increased the fuel allocation for the QRF to P1 million per month to support Canlaon City’s needs. This will provide approximately 4,450 liters of gasoline and around 13,350 liters of diesel, crucial for relief operations, transportation, heavy equipment for clearing operations, and generators.
the Kanlaon Volcano erupted explosively on December 9th, sending a massive plume of ash 4,000 meters into the air. Pyroclastic density currents, or PDCs, descended the volcano’s slopes, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to 3, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest.
As of Friday, over 14,000 people were staying in evacuation centers, with thousands more seeking shelter elsewhere. The danger zone around the volcano has been expanded to a six-kilometer radius from the summit crater.
Possible hazards from the volcano include sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and lahars during heavy rains.
The situation remains precarious, and authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely.
Interview with Dr. Elena Reyes, Volcanologist
NewsDirect3.com: Dr. Reyes, thank you for joining us today. President Marcos has allocated significant funds to aid those affected by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption. Can you provide some insight into the ongoing volcanic activity?
Dr. Reyes: The recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano is a stark reminder of the power of nature. The explosive eruption on December 9th, spewing ash 4,000 meters high and producing pyroclastic density currents, is a clear indication of the high level of unrest.
NewsDirect3.com: The alert level has been raised to 3, signaling a high level of unrest. What does this mean for the surrounding communities?
Dr. Reyes: An alert level 3 signifies a heightened risk. The expanded danger zone, now extending six kilometers from the summit crater, is a necessary precaution. People within this zone are particularly vulnerable to hazards such as sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and lahars, especially during heavy rains.
NewsDirect3.com: Thousands are currently displaced, seeking shelter in evacuation centers. What are some of the immediate concerns for these communities?
Dr. reyes: The immediate concerns are safety,shelter,and access to essential resources like food,water,and medical care. The psychological impact of displacement and the uncertainty surrounding the volcanic activity cannot be understated.
NewsDirect3.com: What are the key recommendations for authorities and individuals living near the volcano?
Dr. Reyes: Continuous monitoring of the volcano by volcanologists is crucial. Authorities must ensure clear and timely interaction of warnings and evacuation orders. Individuals should heed these warnings, have a family emergency plan, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.