Kanlaon Volcano Unrest Affects Thousands on Negros Island
MANILA, Philippines — The ongoing unrest of Kanlaon Volcano has disrupted the lives of 94,226 individuals, spanning 24,468 families, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The volcanic activity has impacted communities across 30 barangays in Regions VI and VII.
Heavy rains on the night of May 23 triggered lahar flows as rainwater mixed with fresh volcanic ash from Kanlaon’s recent eruptions, causing damage to roads and trapping vehicles in Sitio Tamburong, Barangay Biak-na-bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental. Local leaders noted the severity of the situation as residents faced difficulties navigating affected areas.
Displacement and Evacuation Efforts
Currently, 1,886 families, or 6,032 people, are staying in 20 evacuation centers across the two regions. Meanwhile, 3,293 families (10,603 individuals) have sought temporary refuge with relatives or friends. Altogether, 5,179 families or 16,635 persons remain displaced due to the volcanic activity.
The DSWD reported that Region VI experienced significant property damage. At least 5,032 houses suffered damage—one was completely destroyed, and 5,031 were partially damaged. These losses have compounded the challenges faced by affected communities.
Assistance and Relief Operations for Kanlaon Volcano
Government and Partner Support
The DSWD has extended a total of over PHP 309 million in assistance to families affected by the Kanlaon Volcano unrest. Contributions include PHP 192.7 million from the agency itself, PHP 33.5 million from local government units, PHP 33.9 million from non-government organizations, and nearly PHP 49.5 million from other partners.
Additionally, Quick Response Funds amounting to PHP 66.82 million are ready at the central office, with PHP 6 million allocated to field offices in Regions VI and VII. Another PHP 42 million is available in other field offices, ensuring that support can be quickly mobilized for relief operations.
Food and Essential Supplies Distribution
The agency also reported having nearly 700,000 family food packs in disaster response centers — 323,893 at the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City and 372,461 at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Mandaue City, Cebu. Furthermore, 275,332 packs are prepositioned in field offices in Regions VI and VII, with over 2 million additional packs ready in other locations.
In terms of non-food items, DSWD warehouses hold PHP 872.75 million worth of essential supplies. These resources aim to address the urgent needs of displaced families and aid in their swift recovery.
Continued Monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano Activity
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, signaling a heightened state of volcanic unrest. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded seven earthquakes and an emission of over 2,100 tons of sulfur dioxide within a 24-hour monitoring period.
Authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely to ensure public safety and respond promptly to any changes in its activity.
For more news and updates on Kanlaon Volcano unrest, visit Filipinokami.com.