Frontliners of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) are better equipped in Mt. Kanlaon eruption response after undergoing training on the use of various logistical facilities.

In a report, the DSWD-6 said quick response teams (QRTs) from Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Regional Incidental Management Team, and the local government units of La Castellana and La Carlota City completed a technical assistance activity and orientation with the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) days before the moderate explosive eruption on Tuesday morning.

For three days, they were oriented on the operation, management, and maintenance of the mobile kitchen, water tanker, and water treatment facilities deployed by the agency to the affected areas.

“This ensures that the frontliners in disaster response are well-equipped and capacitated on the use of the logistical units designed to provide immediate access to hot and nutritious meals and potable water supply for the internally displaced persons (IDPs),” the report said.

Following the latest explosive eruption, DSWD-6 Regional Director Arwin Razo directed the DRMD to ensure the readiness of relief supplies for the IDPs in Negros Occidental.

“The DSWD-6 is on high alert and closely monitoring the evacuation centers. Adequate relief assistance and response mechanisms are in place should volcanic activity escalate,” he added.

A total of 81,624 family food packs are on standby in the Bacolod warehouse and various prepositioned sites across the province ready for immediate deployment.

Since the explosive eruption on Dec. 9 last year, 1,711 families or 5,472 affected individuals have remained in 13 evacuation centers, mainly in La Castellana, La Carlota City, and Bago City, as the permanent danger zone has been extended to six kilometers.

Around 2,680 families or 8,608 individuals have been seeking shelter with friends and relatives. (PNA)