The eruption of Mount Kanlaon Volcano, 9 minutes before 7PM on Monday, June 3, impacted close to 1,500 residents, representing 368 families across 84 barangays, the Negros Occidental Operations Center said.
Based on the consolidated report released by the Capitol, the eruption caused coarse ashfall in at least seven local government units (LGUs) and a sulfuric odor in eight others, with 338 displaced families currently seeking shelter at evacuation centers.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level for Mount Kanlaon from 1 (Abnormal) to 2 (Increasing Unrest) following the eruption, indicating a potential for further activity.
Air travel was also disrupted after 3 airlines servicing Bacolod-Silay Airport were forced to cancel their flights, leaving over 1,500 passengers stranded at the airport overnight.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said flights up until the morning of June 4 remained cancelled. Regular air travel on resume this afternoon, it said.
Local authorities are currently assessing the situation and providing assistance to affected residents.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development said a team from Regions 6 & 7 are now on the ground to assist affected families.
The DSWD Field Office 7 said at least 7,000 of the total 44,990 family food packs are prepositioned in Negros Oriental, while 6,000 family food packs are prepositioned in Negros Occidental.
To ensure a swift response, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatachalian personally flew to Negros today to oversee the relief operation.
An additional 40,000 family food packs are also currently in transit and will be deployed as needed across the island.
RED CROSS DEPLOYS TEAM
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter also deployed their staff and Red Cross Youth Volunteers last night to provide vital assistance at the La Carlota Evacuation Center.
The PRC team distributed bread to evacuees, ensuring they had access to essential food supplies. Additionally, they set up a welfare desk to address evacuees’ concerns and provide them with necessary information and support.
The PRC team also conducted an ocular visit to Barangays Mansalanao, Cabagnaan, Biak-na-Bato, and Masulog. During these visits, they distributed face masks to residents, proactively mitigating health risks associated with volcanic ash inhalation.
