Government Mobilizes Relief Efforts for Families Displaced by Mount Kanlaon Eruption

In a concerted effort to address the needs of families affected by the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon, President Ferdinand Marcos has assured the public of the government's unwavering support for those displaced by the natural disaster. As the situation unfolds in the Negros Island Region, President Marcos emphasized the readiness of the administration to assist evacuees, particularly those located outside the six-kilometer danger zone. In a proactive move, Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was dispatched to the affected region early on Monday. His presence is aimed at overseeing the ongoing relief operations which have already commenced, reflecting the government's dedication to providing immediate aid to those in need. “We are ready to support the families who have been evacuated,” President Marcos stated during his announcement, highlighting the commitment from the Department of Budget and Management, which has pledged the necessary resources to facilitate these relief efforts. Relief measures currently being implemented include the distribution of food packs and essential supplies to various evacuation centers. The government is ensuring that basic needs are met as the residents face the challenges posed by the volcanic activity. In addition to the humanitarian response, the situation is being closely monitored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which are actively assessing air quality surrounding the volcano. They are particularly focused on evaluating the levels of toxic gases resulting from the eruption to determine whether further evacuations are warranted. On Monday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Kanlaon Volcano to Alert Level 3, indicating significant magmatic unrest following an explosive eruption from its summit. The eruption produced a substantial ash plume that ascended approximately 3,000 meters into the atmosphere and drifted west-southwest. Pyroclastic density currents were observed descending the southeastern slopes of the volcano, posing a potential threat to nearby communities. In response to the hazardous conditions resulting from the eruption, the Philippine Red Cross has advised affected residents to wear masks to mitigate respiratory issues caused by the volcanic ash. This precaution is critical as the ashfall can lead to various health complications, particularly for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. As the government mobilizes resources and personnel to respond to this natural disaster, the resilience of the affected communities is being tested. However, with the support of local and national agencies, there is hope that the families displaced by the volcanic eruption will receive the necessary assistance to recover and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this calamity.