- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Some 783 families, composed of 2,922 persons, in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, whose homes are located within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon may stay longer in evacuation centers.
They will remain until such time the alert level is downgraded and while heavy rains continue, which may trigger lahar flow, Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said on Friday, June 14.
The eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on June 3 brought ash fall, sulphurous odor and mudflow to surrounding communities.
On June 12, some 488 families, composed of 1,362 individuals, from Barangay Mansalanao returned to their respective homes as their village is not within the permanent danger zone.
A total of 83 families, or 283 persons, in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, were allowed by the city government to return home on June 13.
As on June 14, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the occurrence of 10 volcanic quakes.
Nicor-Mangilimutan said that those who were not given the clearance to go home are residents of Barangay Biak na Bato, Masulog, Cabagna-an and Sag-ang, who are now staying in five evacuation centers.
Irene Bel Ploteña, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer of Negros Occidental, said that
water rationing is ongoing in the eruption-affected communities.
This is done with the help of the Office of the Civil Defense-6, Philippine Red Cross, neighboring local government units and volunteer groups.
Dr. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer of Negros Occidental, noted that common ailments experienced by internally displaced persons in evacuation centers are cough and fever, which she described as “manageable”.
Pinongan said that both the Department of Health and Provincial Health Office are regularly conducting testing of water supply, especially in evacuation centers as part of the precautionary measures against water- borne diseases.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, who visited Negros Occidental on Thursday, said that they will provide equipment to monitor air and water quality in areas surrounding Mt. Kanlaon.
Loyzaga said they will work closely with the province to identify where it would be best to position the instruments so that these can be effective in terms of decision-making.* GB
