A Negros Oriental town has declared a state of calamity following the Dec.9 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
Vallehermoso town was declared under a state of calamity by its Sangguniang Bayan, the Office of Civil Defense reported on Wednesday. Dec, 25
The SB said it declared Vallehermoso under a state of calamity due to Kanlaon’s volcanic eruption to facilitate the appropriate and effective management of evacuees and their safe settlement in the municipality in accordance with the principle of interoperability among LGUs in the management of disasters and extreme events.
The SB convened on Dec . 20 to address the imminent threat posed by the ongoing magmatic activity of Kanlaon Volcano.
It cited the significant social disruptions expected from a possible influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) should alert levels 4 or 5 be issued.
The resolution highlighted Vallehermoso’s strategic location, noting that it is the nearest emergency haven to the City of Canlaon, making it a critical site for receiving and accommodating evacuees during a volcanic crisis.
The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) recommended declaring the municipality under a state of calamity to streamline evacuation efforts and enhance coordination among various agencies to ensure a swift and effective response to the situation.
The SB emphasized the need for proactive measures to manage the anticipated challenges effectively.
The declaration underscores the commitment of the local government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents while preparing for potential emergencies arising from volcanic activity, the declaration states.
As the situation develops, the municipality will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure a comprehensive disaster management strategy is in place, it said.*