• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon initially left about P9.9 million in crop damage in Negros Occidental as of June 6, a report of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist showed.
Damaged by ashfall were high value commercial crops at P8,501,350; rice lands, P1,368,956; and corn fields, P122,250.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the lack of drinking water in areas of La Castellana and La Carlota City is now a major concern as rivers and streams have been contaminated by lahar.
The provincial government and different local government units as well as national agencies, among others, have set up mobile portable water stations to address the needs of affected residents.
While the Provincial Veterinary Office has not monitored any death of livestock and poultry, it reported that 275 free range chickens, four goats and two pigs in Bago City experienced respiratory problems due to ashfall and sulphuric odor.
In La Castellana, which is now under a state of calamity, Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan issued an executive order, enforcing curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., starting June 7, aimed at regulating public and non-essential activities to ensure safety of its residents.
Exempted from curfew are government workers, as well as workers of private and public offices on duty during curfew hours, medical doctors and veterinarians whose services are needed, and workers of public utility companies conducting construction, maintenance, and emergency activities.
Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas reported that the livelihood of about 1,600 vegetable farmers in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental is also affected by ash fall.
As of June 7, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in Negros Occidental reported that there are still 896 families, composed of 3,284 individuals, staying in evacuation centers while 32 families, comprising 132 persons, are outside the evacuation centers.
The PDRRMC also reported the injury of one person while 407 farmers were affected, with 211.11 hectares of crops also damaged by the eruption.
Some 64 families, composed of 256 individuals, are set to return to their respective homes in barangays Haguimit, Ara-al and Yubo in La Carlota City, Mayor Rex Jalando-on said. | GB
