Residents in Western Visayas (Region 6) and Central Visayas (Region 7) who had to evacuate following the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon were slowly returning to their homes as the volcano appeared to stay calm for now.
The number of affected individuals in the two regions has risen to 2,088 (605 families), based on the latest monitoring of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday, June 5.
Of this, there were 1,407 individuals (419 families) who remained in 11 evacuation centers while 177 persons (45 families) who chose to stay with their relatives or friends were also being assisted by the authorities.
In Negros Occidental, affected residents were eager to return to their homes and clean up after their communities were affected by ash fall.
“’Yung areas affected are slowly recovering. Mayroong konting families na nasa inside evacuation centers but the reports that were reported as of 4 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday), mayroong LGUs na nakareport na umuwi na (The affected areas are slowly recovering. There are some families still staying in evacuation centers but some of them have already returned to their homes based on the reports that were reported as of 4 p.m. yesterday from the local government units),” Irene Bel Ploteña, head of Negros Occidental provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO), said in an interview over dzBB.
However, the official advised residents to remain vigilant as the situation remains volatile.
A state of calamity has been declared in the municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
In La Castellana, more than 200 families were affected by the eruption while there were 47 families distressed by the calamity in Canlaon City.
“As of the moment, we’re still at Alert Level 2. We don’t know ‘yung activity ng Kanlaon (the activities of Mt. Kanlaon) so we’re just hoping everything will settle down,” Ploteña said.
She said the PDRRMO was awaiting for reports from the provincial agriculturist to determine the extent of the eruption’s damage to agriculture.
“As to the animals, there were no reported damage based on the report from the Veterinary Office. As to the agriculture, we’re waiting for the assessment of the provincial agriculturist,” Ploteña stated.
The NDRRMC has distributed around P1.3 million worth of assistance, including food and non-food items, to the calamity victims.
PAF assistance
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA) on Tuesday, June 4, to get a clearer picture of the situation in the areas affected by the eruption.
The PAF used a Bell 412 and a UH-1H helicopter from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing to assess the condition in Moises Padilla, La Carlota, La Castellana, Bago City in Negros Occidental; and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
"This crucial operation gathered essential information and visuals to determine the extent of the damage and identify the pressing needs of the affected communities," said PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo.
The PAF has also placed its Disaster Response Team Units (DRTUs), fixed-wing aircraft, and rotary-wing helicopters on high alert.
"These assets stand ready to provide critical support, including medical evacuation and the transport of relief supplies, as the situation unfolds," Castillo added.