BACOLOD City – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the distribution of assistance to residents affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental yesterday, February 21.
P5,000 in financial assistance and family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were distributed to each of the 323 families composed of 1,111 individuals currently staying in four evacuation centers.
The President also personally checked the situation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to identify their other needs and concerns for immediate action of concerned government offices and agencies.
Joining the President were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, and Mayor Rex Jalando-on.
Following this, President Marcos presided over a situational briefing on the effects of Kanlaon’s explosive eruption in Negros Island.
He convened with key officials and local chief executives at the La Carlota City South Elementary School II evacuation center.
According to the latest report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), after the on Dec. 9, 2024 eruption, Mt. Kanlaon’s volcanic activity continued with 19 volcanic earthquakes recorded.
The volcano’s edifice remains inflated, suggesting magma accumulation beneath the surface that increases pressure and causes ground swelling. Due to this intensified magmatic unrest, Alert Level 3 remains in effect for towns situated within the 6-kilometer extended danger zone, urging residents to remain in evacuation centers to ensure their safety.
Furthermore, authorities have maintained a no-fly zone around the volcano and cautioned the public about potential hazards, including explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic currents, rockfalls and lahars during heavy rain./PN
