Following the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, officials in Negros Occidental are calling for a state of calamity to be declared.The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has formally recommended the declaration to the Sangguniang panlalawigan, the provincial council.
Resolution No. 11, by the PDRRMC, outlines several crucial requests for immediate action. They urge the provincial council to allocate a portion of its calamity fund to provide direct assistance to residents impacted by the eruption. Additionally, they are pushing for a price freeze on essential goods to prevent opportunist price gouging in the wake of the disaster.
The resolution also calls for the provincial council to finance the repair and upgrades of public infrastructure and facilities damaged by the volcano’s activity. Further, it requests the utilization of the swift response fund and the adoption of alternative procurement methods to expedite aid delivery.
The eruption, which occurred on Monday afternoon, prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to elevate the volcano’s alert level to 3, signifying increased unrest.
the PDRRMO reported that the areas most affected by the eruption include La Castella, La Carlota, Pontevedra, the southeastern portion of Bago, Valladolid, San Enrique, Hinigaran, and Binalbagan.
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As of now,over 39,258 individuals,representing 9,942 families,have been evacuated,according to the office of Civil Defense.
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