Urgent Need to Identify Evacuation Centers Locations
As the rainy season approaches, the government faces an urgent task: to quickly identify where evacuation centers will be established. Local experts stress that accelerating this process is critical, even though the construction of these centers may not be completed within the year.
One official explained, “Yung evacuation centers, kailangan maghabol-habol tayo diyan kaya lang, hindi yan magiging available within the year, so kailangan paspasan, at least, yung pag identify ng evacuation centers.” This highlights the importance of speeding up the location identification stage to prepare for incoming weather challenges.
Challenges in Establishing Evacuation Centers
Officials also pointed out that finding suitable land and ensuring accessibility are major hurdles. They emphasized that evacuation centers should be built on government-owned lots to avoid the costly and lengthy process of purchasing land from private owners.
“Dapat sa gobyerno (ang lupa). Hindi pwedeng bumili ng lupa from the private sector [dahil] mahal at mahaba ang proseso,” the official added. This approach will streamline the establishment of evacuation sites and reduce delays.
Moreover, the design of these centers must accommodate various essential facilities. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has a standard design that requires the location to include a study area, a nursing mothers’ space, a prayer room, a kitchen, and access to electricity and water.
“Yung pag identify kailangan kakasya yung dinisenyo ng DPWH. Hindi lang yun takbuhan ng tao. Dapat merong study area, lugar para sa nursing mothers, dasalan, may lutuan, at kuryente and tubig,” the official said.
Permanent Centers Needed Near Kanlaon Volcano
In areas affected by the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, local authorities stress the importance of building permanent evacuation centers. Currently, many evacuees are housed in schools, which disrupts ongoing classes and education.
“Yung between four to six kilometers, kailangan mayroon na silang permanenteng evacuation centers na pupuntahan dahil sa 22 evacuation centers, 11 are schools,” said community leaders. This means residents within the four to six kilometer danger zone need dedicated, permanent shelters away from educational facilities.
At present, over 8,100 people are taking refuge in evacuation centers due to the volcanic activity. Reports indicate that a moderately explosive eruption recently occurred at Mount Kanlaon’s summit crater, causing light ashfall in some parts of Negros Occidental.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) remains on Alert Level 3 for Kanlaon, warning of possible short-lived explosive eruptions with life-threatening volcanic hazards.
As the government moves to address these challenges, the swift identification and development of evacuation centers locations will be crucial to protecting vulnerable communities during the wet season and volcanic unrest.
For more news and updates on evacuation centers locations, visit Filipinokami.com.