Home Climate Change Volcano Aid Reaches PHP29 Million as Mt. Kanlaon Eruption Displaces Thousands

Volcano Aid Reaches PHP29 Million as Mt. Kanlaon Eruption Displaces Thousands

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The Philippine government has dispatched emergency assistance totaling over PHP29 million to families impacted by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, national disaster management officials reported Monday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) revealed that Central Visayas and Western Visayas regions have received crucial aid, including family food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping materials, and modular tents.

Approximately 9,696 families across the two regions have been provided assistance, though officials caution that the number may fluctuate as damage assessments continue.

The volcanic eruption on December 9 forced the evacuation of tens of thousands from surrounding villages on Negros Island. Currently, 10,784 families—representing 43,970 individuals—have been affected in 26 barangays.

Of those displaced, 4,278 families comprising 13,748 persons are sheltering in 27 activated evacuation centers, while an additional 694 families are receiving support outside these facilities.

Authorities have raised Mt. Kanlaon’s alert level to 3, signaling the potential for further explosive eruptions and maintaining a state of heightened vigilance.

The ongoing humanitarian response underscores the Philippines’ vulnerability to volcanic activity in its tectonically active landscape.