BACOLOD CITY – The number of evacuees due to Kanlaon Volcano in four barangays in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental increased to 423 individuals or 145 families as of 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 12.
Evacuees were three families or 13 individuals from Barangay Pula, 89 families or 254 individuals from Barangay Masulog, 49 families or 141 individuals from Barangay Malaiba, and four families or 15 individuals from Barangay Lumapao.
KANLAON Volcano evacuees seek refuge in an evacuation center in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on Thursday, September 12. (Photo courtesy of Canlaon City PIO via PIA Negros Oriental)
A 10 p.m. curfew was imposed in evacuation centers to ensure the safety and security of evacuees. All evacuation center operations are suspended during this time.
Drinking water, N95 face masks, food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, kitchen kits, and family kits have been provided to affected residents.
Water safety measures are in place, including water sampling to ensure the safety of drinking water. The Canlaon City Health Office is actively overseeing these protocols.
Some families in Barangay Masulog opted to return home after signing waivers. The city government stressed the importance of the mandatory evacuation and has provided these individuals with comprehensive information about the risks involved.
Should the situation worsen, the local government is fully prepared to assist in their immediate evacuation.
"We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguard every resident and urge everyone to adhere to safety guidelines and stay informed through official advisories. Together, we will navigate this challenge with resilience," Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said.
Cardenas held a Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) meeting on Thursday to discuss several critical initiatives to address the ongoing crisis.
It was discussed and approved by the LDRRMC that a cash grant of P500 will be provided to each evacuee aged 18 and above.
The city government will ensure that operational needs for disaster response personnel are fully covered, allowing barangay funds to be utilized exclusively for local disaster operations.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rex Jalando-on of La Carlota City in Negros Occidental has extended the suspension of classes on all levels in four barangays on Thursday due to Kanlaon Volcano.
Schools in Barangays Ara-al, Haguimit, San Miguel, and Yubo had no classes since Wednesday, September 11.