BACOLOD CITY – The municipal government of La Castellana in Negros Occidental has appealed for vehicles to transport 37,000 residents when Kanlaon Volcano is placed under Alert Level 4.
KANLAON Volcano seen from Purok 2, Barangay Cabagnaan, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Thursday, Jan. 23. (Photo courtesy of OCD-Western Visayas)
Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, in a media interview on Thursday, Jan. 23, emphasized the urgency of ensuring sufficient mobility for evacuees.
As part of the contingency plan, the local government has drafted a memorandum of agreement with bus companies and private mini-bus owners for the evacuation that would also involve government vehicles. Trucks from upper barangays are also being prepared.
The mayor said that these resources are insufficient as the capacity of each bus is only around 39 to 55 people and with over 100 vehicles needed, the number will fall short.
“We need more mobility and temporary shelters for those affected,” the mayor said, adding that the town is focusing on securing a permanent solution to this issue.
Mangilimutan also discussed the challenges in evacuation centers. A tent city has been proposed in Barangay Nato, La Castellana but it won’t be able to accommodate all evacuees.
La Castellana’s original contingency plan was to use the Panaad Park and Stadium here but this was no longer viable due to limited space.
The lady mayor proposed alternative evacuation sites in the northern part of the province such as the cities of Talisay and Silay as well as Bacolod City.
The southern part of the province, particularly Himamaylan and Binalbagan, remains at high risk due to lahar, making these areas unsafe for evacuees.
The Office of the Civil Defense had earlier identified Himamaylan City as a tent city for the evacuees of La Castellana town.
The local government is closely monitoring the situation and adjusting their plans to ensure the safety of residents.
The municipality is preparing to present their proposals to Task Force Kanlaon and the OCD. These will address transportation, evacuation centers, and food provisions.