The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) heightened the high alert status of the Visayas Command’s humanitarian operations following the Kanlaon eruption.
According to Lt. Gen. Fernando M. Reyeg, commander of the Visayas Command (VisCom), their unit has been in close coordination with disaster risk reduction offices in Negros Island.
Following yesterday's explosive eruption, ashfall was already observed in several areas, including Bago City, La Carlota City, and Mambukal in Negros Occidental.
A report by RH Edniel Parrosa mentioned that the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) estimates that around 87,000 people were affected by the volcanic eruption.
In relation to this, the 303rd and 302nd Infantry Divisions have dispatched their equipment to aid in the ongoing evacuation efforts.
In the emergency meeting convened by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the use of the Philippine Navy's floating assets was planned to assist in the response efforts, given the limitations of air travel.
The OCD continues to urge those still in the affected areas to evacuate immediately, especially with the ongoing ashfall.
Furthermore, the agency, along with the local DRRMCs, has set up 11 evacuation centers and is urging those who have not yet been reached by the authorities to evacuate immediately.
The following are the evacuation centers in 11 barangays:
- Barangay Lag-asan, Bago City
- Barangay Tabao, Sagay City
- Barangay Rizal, San Carlos City
- Barrio Vista Alegre, Bacolod City
- Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City
- Barangay Sibucao, San Enrique
- Barangay Ill, Himamaylan City
- Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City
- Moises Padilla
- Barangay Cubay, La Carlota
- Sitio Canlayuhan, Barangay Gil Montilla, Sipalay City
