The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) reported Wednesday that the latest eruption of Mount Kanlaon in the Negros Island Region already affected a total of 10,993 families or 37,699 individuals—about 12,378 of them are currently seeking temporary shelter in 29 evacuation centers.
Based on its status report as of 8:00 a.m. on December 11, the OCD said 28 cities and municipalities across Western Visayas and Central Visayas regions are dealing with ashfall. The government has intensified its ongoing emergency response in the wake of the seismic event.
“Comprehensive response measures have been implemented, including the activation of the National Inter-Agency Command Center and the Regional Task Force for Kanlaon. The distribution of 190,000 food packs has commenced in affected areas,” the OCD said.
Alert Level 3 remains over Mount Kanlaon. Residents are warned against staying within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone of the volcano. Mandatory evacuation is already in effect, but some residents have reportedly chosen to stay behind.
Classes at all levels and government work in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental remain suspended per the order of Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas. He also issued an executive order mandating the evacuation of residents within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
As of December 11, 2024, at 8:00 AM, 10,993 families, or 37,699 individuals, are affected. There are 29 evacuation centers established, with 3,723 displaced families, or 12,378 individuals, currently housed in these centers.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army deployed four teams and three military trucks from the 62nd and 94th Infantry Battalions (IB) to aid ongoing rescue and clearing operations in Canlaon as well as La Carlota City in Negros Occidental.
The 303rd Infantry Brigade as well as the 62IB and 79IB also placed on standby seven rescue teams and 11 heavy duty trucks for possible augmentation efforts.
Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala assured the commitment and readiness of troops to conduct humanitarian and disaster efforts for the affected communities.
