• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended a total of P185.658 million in humanitarian assistance to persons affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island from Dec. 9 last year to June 8 this year.
In a report, DSWD said 2,438 families, composed of 7,862 individuals are staying in 24 evacuation centers while 3,793 families, or 12,207 persons, are living with relatives or friends.
It added that 5,031 houses were damaged while one was destroyed.
Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) remains hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Of more than P3 billion available relief resources, DSWD said P315.845 million has been allocated for quick response fund and P2.739 billion for the cost of food and non-food items.
Kanlaon Volcano registered a reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions on June 7, according to the 24-hour monitoring by Phivolcs.
The report posted on Sunday stated that the volcano released 3,591 tons of sulfur dioxide, a reduction to 5,324 tons emitted the previous day.
The volcano also generated a 300-meter tall plume that drifted eastward and registered continuous degassing.
Aside from this, five volcanic earthquakes were recorded from the volcano.
Phivolcs warned residents living near Mt. Kanlaon to be vigilant against sudden lahar flow with heavy rains brought on by a low pressure area and the southwest monsoon expected in Negros Island. | GB
