The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday that P43.33 million worth of government assistance has been extended to families affected by the December 9 eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.

In its situation report, the disaster response body said the assistance has benefited 8,004 families in Western Visayas and Central Visayas.

These consist of family food packs, financial assistance, hygiene kits, modular tents, “sakolines,” sleeping kits, laminated sacks, and family kits.

About 6,145 families have been assisted in Western Visayas and 1,859 in Central Visayas.

“Figures are still subject to change due to ongoing validation,” the NDRRMC said.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said P240.5 million worth of standby funds and relief stockpiles are available in DSWD’s offices in the two regions, constituting 186,328 units of family food packs.

It also said that the Regional Task Force/Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell is set to present its contingency plan on December 23, with national agencies invited to participate.

The OCD said the Department of Education, as the lead for the Education Cluster, will be actively engaged in developing this plan to ensure the safety and continuity of education for affected students.

“The NDRRMC and OCD continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the Regional Task Force to expedite the development of contingency plans for potential escalation scenarios,” it said. (PNA)