Negros Occidental declares state of calamity after Kanlaon blast

GRAYWORLD Many areas in Bago City in Negros Occidental are still to recover from the massive ashfall that rained on the town, turning verdant green vegetation, roads and rooftops into gray, after Mt. Kanlaon erupted on Dec. 9, as shown in this photo taken in Barangay Mailum on Dec. 11. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BACOLOD CITY—Negros Occidental was declared under a state of calamity on Friday, Dec. 13, with a price freeze imposed on basic necessities and prime commodities to address the effects of last week’s explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.

The Provincial Board, in a special session, unanimously approved the state of calamity declaration, which will enable the provincial government to use its P78-million quick response fund to help about 33,806 residents living in the 6-kilometer radius of the volcano covered by the mandatory evacuation.

READ: ‘Evacuate now,’ Marcos urges residents near Kanlaon Volcano

The province-wide declaration will also allow other localities not affected by the eruption to extend help to the distressed towns and cities.

The price freeze was imposed to curb “predatory pricing” by businesses and hoarding of goods, the resolution said.

President Marcos on Friday assured the public that the government will step up its response to help those affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.

“We will level up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response,” the President said in a video message amid concern by local governments on the mounting cost of the evacuations.

President’s assurance

The President said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense were already prepared for a worst-case scenario even before the volcano erupted on Dec. 9, adding that the Task Force Kanlaon would “coordinate the appropriate response based on the intensity of the volcano’s eruption and the destruction it brings.”

Mr. Marcos said the target was to evacuate a total of 84,000 residents.

The forced evacuation was being implemented amid a warning from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology that the volcano could erupt again in the coming weeks.

“We will match the wrath of the volcano by extending the same degree of care and disaster response to you,” Mr. Marcos said.

As of Friday, the 14,922 evacuees in shelters across Negros Occidental dropped to 10,864 residents because others opted to go home since they did not live within the 6-km radius danger zone and were only affected by ashfall, according to Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division.

The remaining evacuees were 8,188 in La Castellana, 211 in Bago City and 2,465 in La Carlota City.

Only those from within the danger zone were required to evacuate, said La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan.

Mangilimutan said she was happy the President had heard their cry for help, particularly that they were running out of municipal funds and were relying on donations from other local governments and the private sector.

She said they also have to make a long term plan to relocate those living in the danger zone of an active volcano.

Marcos has instructed the Department of Budget and Management to release funds for the victims of the calamity.

The Department of Health (DOH) was also instructed to continue to be on alert against diseases caused by volcanic ash.

“The forward-deployed relief items of the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), such as family food packs and nonfood items, will be poured into the evacuation centers. This includes clean water, sleeping and hygiene kits,” Mr. Marcos said.

The DOH-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) Center for Health Development also changed its status from “code white” to “code blue” following the declaration of the state of calamity.

“It is intended to supplement the province’s request for more aid for the individuals and families impacted by the recent natural disaster,” said Razel Nikka Hao, DOH-NIR regional director, in a press statement.

Code blue, she said, indicates the immediate deployment of health teams, experts and additional units during an emergency response, Hao said.

Precautions

She advised the public to continue to protect themselves from ashfall by staying indoors, wearing masks, and sealing windows and doors to prevent ash from entering their homes.

“There is still an active threat with Mt. Kanlaon. The situation remains dangerous due to continuous volcanic activity. We urge the public to follow evacuation orders and safety instructions from your local government,” she said.

Hao urged the public to use only clean, safe water for drinking and cooking.

“Boil or disinfect water if its safety is uncertain,” she added.

At the shelters, evacuees were also advised to maintain proper hygiene, wash hands regularly, and report any signs of illness to health personnel immediately.

Animal ailments

Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office reported that 26,006 farm animals have suffered from illnesses caused by the ashfall.

These included 1,062 carabaos, 183 cattle, 603 goats, 1,246 swines, 22,250 poultry, 320 ducks, 284 dogs and 58 cats.

The animals are exhibiting respiratory and digestive diseases, damage skin, rashes, foot rot, cough, loose bowel movement and asthma, said Dr. Placeda Lemana, provincial veterinarian. —WITH A REPORT FROM JULIE M. AURELIO INQ