By JEN BAYLON
Thousands of evacuees are preparing to celebrate Christmas inside evacuation centers in five local government units (LGUs) in Negros Island Region as Kanlaon Volcano continues to pose significant risks.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that, as of Wednesday, December 18, approximately 3,001 families, totaling 9,547 individuals, remained in temporary shelters in Negros Occidental.
At least 1,628 families or 5,965 individuals are also housed inside evacuation centers in Negros Oriental.
The evacuees are from LGUs, such as La Castellana town and the cities of La Carlota, Bago and San Carlos in Negros Occidental, as well as Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
The ongoing volcanic activity has prompted authorities to ensure the safety of residents living within Kanlaon’s six-kilometer expanded danger zone.
With the likelihood that many evacuees will spend the holiday season in shelters, LGUs are making preparations to provide a semblance of normalcy amid the continuing volcanic activities.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to ensure that evacuees receive adequate food supplies and essential items.
The OCD in Western Visayas (OCD-6) called for donations of hot meals and other necessities, as many evacuees have expressed fatigue over consuming canned goods.
“Those who want to help can do so by providing hot meals,” OCD-6 Regional Director Raul Fernandez said.
Community kitchens are being set up, along with planned Christmas activities to uplift spirits during the holiday season.
Local officials are working diligently to create a festive atmosphere despite the circumstances.
“While we face significant challenges in catering to the needs of those displaced by the eruption, we are committed to providing support and ensuring their well-being,” Fernandez stated.
Earlier, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of potential lahar flows due to recent rainfall brought by a low pressure area.
Residents near Tamburong, Talaptapan and Biak na Bato creeks, and Baji-Baji Falls in La Castellana have been particularly advised to remain vigilant.
As Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3 due to ongoing volcanic unrest, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely./JB, WDJ