The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office projected that 309,619 residents in the city are at risk from ashfall when Kanlaon Volcano erupts.
KANLAON Volcano
The figure comprised half of the city’s population.
Barangay Estefania was projected with the highest number of affected individuals with 42,341, followed by Barangay Mansilingan with 27,526 and Barangay Taculing with 26,486. Barangay 24 has the fewest with only 21 residents.
The likelihood was discussed during a recent meeting of the CDRRM Council on the preparedness measures for an eruption where they revealed their plans and support to other affected local government units (LGUs).
The CDRRMO would augment search, rescue, and retrieval teams, medical teams, as well as provide food and non-food items, transportation, and logistical support.
Two evacuation centers in Barangays Taculing and Vista Alegre are ready to accommodate the influx of evacuees. The DRRMO Taculing evacuation center will be designated as a command center.
The city readied 103 sacks of rice, 5,560 sachets of coffee and cereals, 6,673 canned goods, 840 bottled water, 600 packs of biscuits and crackers, 1,000 water containers, 200 hygiene and sleeping kits, 300 folding beds, 100 modular tents, 7,000 face masks, and 29 bags.
Dr. Anna Maria Laarni Pornan, CDRRMO head, said they have yet to verify figures submitted by the barangays, which include children, elderly persons, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), ill persons, and pregnant women.
Pornan noted that ashfall may reach this city, depending on the wind direction.