Negros Occidental Declares State of Calamity Amid Kanlaon Volcano Eruption Crisis

Negros Occidental has officially been placed under a state of calamity following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on December 9, marking a significant escalation in the region's ongoing battle with volcanic activity. The provincial board convened for a special session on December 13, where they unanimously approved the recommendation put forth by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to declare this state of emergency. The recent eruption has had widespread repercussions, affecting over 30,000 residents across eight localities primarily in the province's 4th and 5th districts. This incident is deemed more severe than a previous eruption earlier in the year, causing alarm among local officials and residents alike. As a precautionary measure, a mandatory price freeze on essential commodities has been enacted throughout the province to prevent price gouging and ensure that basic necessities remain accessible to those in need. Governor Lacson announced that the provincial government has access to a quick response fund totaling P78 million, which will be utilized to assist the areas most impacted by the eruption. Among the worst-hit is La Castellana, where nearly 10,000 evacuees have been reported. Families from eight of the town's 13 villages have been forced to flee their homes due to the eruption's fallout, and Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan expressed gratitude for the declaration, highlighting the urgent need for support. In tandem with this, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer reassured affected communities that more assistance would be dispatched, particularly to La Castellana. However, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "But for now, it is what it is. We are now under a state of calamity." Task Force Kanlaon, led by Raul Fernandez, has indicated that approximately 54,000 residents may need to evacuate from within a six-kilometer danger zone surrounding the volcano. This number could rise significantly if the danger zone expands to 10 kilometers. Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo has expressed concerns regarding the widespread ashfall, which has affected various upland barangays, and anticipates substantial damage to agriculture throughout the city. The ashfall from the eruption has been particularly severe, impacting agricultural lands in Bago and La Carlota. Environmental officials have warned that if rain does not arrive soon, crops such as rice, corn, and sugarcane could suffer from sulfur contamination, jeopardizing the livelihoods of many farmers. Meanwhile, the local Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Provincial Veterinary Office are currently preparing detailed assessments of the damage inflicted on both crops and livestock. As Negros Occidental grapples with the repercussions of Kanlaon Volcano's eruption, the community stands united in its resilience, poised to confront the challenges ahead with the support of local government and disaster response initiatives. The road to recovery may be long, but the solidarity among residents and officials alike will be pivotal in overcoming this natural disaster.