The ashfall from the recent eruption at Kanlaon Volcano has caused close to P1 million in damage to high value commercial crops in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said the initial damage to high value crops in barangays Haguimit, Ara-al, Cubay and La Granja on April 8 was P952,196.
The ash fall hit 34.76 hectares affecting 48 farmers, the OPA reported.
A moderately explosive eruption occurred at the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano on April 8 that lasted for 56 minutes, with La Carlota City being the worst hit by its ashfall.
Meanwhile, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Thursday, April 24, the provincial government’s community kitchens that provide food to the Kanlaon evacuees will begin their fourth month of operations.
Hopefully, it will be the last month, he said.
Lacson said they are still waiting for the transfer of the P63 million, which the Office of the Civil Defense said will be provided by the national government for the upkeep of the evacuees.
He does not know if the funds will be released to the provincial government or directly to the affected local governments, Lacson said.*