The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reiterated its appeal to residents living near Kanlaon Volcano to evacuate as soon as possible due to a “concerning” buildup of lahar.
According to OCD spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas, many residents in Western Visayas (Region 6) and Eastern Visayas (Region 7) – including indigenous peoples (IPs) in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental – continue to refuse to leave their homes despite the implementation of a mandatory evacuation order by the local government unit (LGU).
“The Regional Task Force (RTF) Kanlaon has reported a concerning three million cubic meters of lahar buildup, prompting a need for immediate action,” he said in a statement Sunday, Dec. 15.
Isolated rainshowers have been affecting the Visayas due to the effects of the shearline and northeast monsoon (amihan). When the rainwater mixes with volcanic materials such as ash and rocks, it forms lahar, a fast-moving volcanic mudflow or debris flow.
The number of affected population in Regions 6 and 7 increased to 14,943 families or 65,850 individuals. Of this, there were 4,691 families or 15,665 individuals that were staying in 28 evacuation centers.
The OCD said that the LGU of Canlaon City is evaluating priorities and addressing challenges related to the management of evacuated individuals, as funds remain insufficient to adequately support the displaced population.
“The Canlaon City Mayor (Jose Chubasco B. Cardenas) is scheduled to meet with the tribal chief to facilitate the evacuation of IPs in Barangays Masulog and Pula, aiming for completion by December 16,” Posadas said.
The OCD said that all actionable items, including evacuation plans and identification of locations for border controls, have been successfully implemented.
A “return window” for evacuees is set from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a requirement to fill out waiver forms prior to entry. Evacuees are advised to use designated routes in case of a sudden eruption, the OCD noted.
However, RTF Kanlaon commander and OCD-6 director Raul Fernandez said they are currently facing “challenges” in sustaining assistance for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the volcanic eruption.
The OCD disclosed last Thursday that funds allotted by the LGUs to support the needs of evacuees were slowly depleting, stressing it could only last for about three to four days.
Additional fund worth P30 million has been requested to address the issue while the OCD allocated P1 million for fuel to support ongoing operations related to Kanlaon’s eruption.
“The RTF will discuss with the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] strategies for managing funds and developing a plan in the event that the request for an additional P30 million is not approved,” Posadas said.
Meanwhile, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairman Gilberto Teodoro Jr. coordinated with Mayor Henry Tumlos of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental to identify suitable flat areas for tent setup, where the evacuating LGU shall oversee the management of a tent city.
“Family tents, generously donated by OCD VIII, have been established in La Carlota. Additionally, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has implemented border control measures around danger zones, and coordination with the La Carlota LGU has allowed the use of a local gymnasium for stockpiling supplies,” Posadas said.
Further, the municipalities of Pavia and Janiuay in Iloilo have provided water filtration systems to ensure the evacuees’ access to potable water.
In terms of recovery and rehabilitation, the RTF-Kanlaon also urged concerned LGUs to provide updates on animal evacuation efforts as the Department of Agriculture (DA) is prepared to offer animal dispersal plans and services.
According to OCD, Mayor Alme Rhummyla G. Nicor-Mangilimutan of La Castellana, Negros Occidental has requested uniformed personnel to manage three identified livestock evacuation areas in their town.