
The Office of Civil Defense is ensuring that everything is in place to carry out the swift and safe evacuation of 110,000 residents within the 10 kilometer radius of Kanlaon Volcano if Alert Level 4 is raised, OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Nepomuceno and other OCD officials met with Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan at the Governor’s Office at the Capitol in Bacolod City on Wednesday to discuss contingency plans.
The OCD administrator said he came to Negros to ensure that preparations are in place to swiftly evacuate the 110,000 residents in order to save lives, which is “no joke”.
“It’s a big logistical challenge which we can do if we are prepared,” he said, stressing that details must be put in place.
“Otherwise if we are not prepared it would be a logistical nightmare,” he said.
He said trucks for the mass evacuation are being prepared and even airlifting will be conducted if needed.
Nepomuceno said he was in Negros to see the situation first hand “so we can report to the president accurately”.
He said aside from the swift evacuation under Alert Level 4 preparations are also underway for tent cities to accommodate the displaced residents, and for food needs.
The national government will provide assistance, including financial aid, he assured.
The Department of Health will give hygiene and medical kits, while the Department of Labor and Employment and Department of Social Welfare and Development will also provide financial assistance and temporary alternative livelihoods, he said.
TENT CITIES
Raul Fernandez, OCD 6 regional director and Task Force Kanlaon chairman, said 1,350 tents have arrived in Negros.
Preparations for the Himamaylan tent city have started, which they aim to make a model pilot area, Fernandez said.
So far 395 tents have been delivered to Himamaylan City, he said, adding that they aim to bring the number up to 500.
They are also looking at setting up tent cities in Talisay, Silay and Kabankalan, and the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, he added.
In Negros Oriental tent cities for the Canlaon City evacuees will be set up in Vallermoso and Guihulngan City, he added.
CURRENT EVACUEES
Following the eruption of Kanlaon on Dec. 9 residents from the expanded 6-kilometer danger zone around Kanlaon were evacuated.
There are currently 10,031 displaced persons staying in 23 evacuation centers in La Castellana, La Carlota City and Bago City in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
There are also 7,576 residents outside evacuation centers.
Nepomuceno said there is no telling how much longer they will have to stay in the evacuation centers since Kanlaon is exhibiting signs of a possible eruption.
“We understand the difficulties they are facing and are looking at how their situation can be improved,” he said.
He said while they would like those already in evacuation centers from outside the 6-kilometer danger zone to stay there to lessen the number of people to evacuate under Alert Level 4, he understands the pressure on the local government units from the evacuees who want to go home.
He also recognizes the psychological impact of lengthy stays in evacuation centers on mothers and children, Nepomuceno added.
Nepomuceno admitted that local governments who allowed residents from outside the 6-kilometer danger zone to go home were compliant with the guidelines set.
“There is no telling how long the displaced residents will have to stay in evacuation centers because for now anything can happen at Kanlaon Volcano,” he said.
When Mayon Volcano erupted residents had to stay at evacuation centers for three months before it calmed down, Nepomuceno pointed out.*