|
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Bulusan eruption 'to displace 20T'
MANILA -- In a worst-case scenario should Bulusan Volcano erupt, more than 20,000 residents may have to be evacuated to "nipa tent cities" where they may have to stay for months.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) chief Renato Solidum Jr. presented the picture during a briefing for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Juban, Sorsogon.
"Authorities will likely build nipa huts and tent cities so schools won't be overburdened. The nipa tent city will be outside the six-kilometer radius," Solidum said.
He said under a worst-case scenario, there will be ashfall and pyroclastic flows, which would require the temporary relocation of residents for months.
The tents will have nipa shingles to protect residents from the ashfall.
When asked how long the residents may have to stay in the temporary relocation sites, he said, "we have to anticipate, it may take a while."
Office of Civil Defense Bicol regional director Arnel Capili added the worst-case scenario might also involve the collapse of portions of Mt. Bulusan at its base in Bulusan Lake and if that happens, water will submerge the entire town of Bulusan.
He also said he has coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Albay to make sure that resources are in place should Bulusan explode.
Solidum said at present, no resident is living near the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
He said information drives are ongoing on ashfall, volcanic flows and lahar.
"We already pacified the fear of our people. At present, everyone is at peace and waiting for activity by Bulusan," Capili said.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered Saturday various government agencies to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of thousands of residents here threatened by cascading lahar from Mt. Bulusan in case of heavy rains.
The President flew in by helicopter from Legaspi City to observe the ongoing preparation made by the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) and the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) since Mt. Bulusan emitted volcanic ash fall following minor eruptions the past several weeks.
She presided over the joint RDCC and PDCC meeting and assured Sorsogon Governor Raul Lee and mayors of six affected municipalities that the national government through the National Disaster Coordinating Council has put in place all emergency precaution in case of a major eruption.
"So far, we will follow the protocol and as there will be a major eruption and the assistance are needed then the National Government will come in," the President said.
The Chief Executive also directed all agencies concerned in the Bulusan to implement the order of Phivolcs director Renato Solidum to prohibit people from venturing into river channels even if they are outside the permanent danger zone.
"As stated by director Solidum the river channels are dangerous to human activities in case there will be a heavy rainfalls," the President said.
"Ensure the safety of those remaining families residing near the identified river channels," the President said.
Solidum reported to the President that the river channels are the passages of lahar, saying that "even without eruption we also anticipate the lahar flows and there is only a need to evacuate residents near the river channels when there is heavy rains."
With threats of lahar flows, "people are not allowed to go to the river," he warned.
As part of its preparedness, the regional office Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol will construct nip huts and tents temporary shelter for evacuees in case there would be an evacuation.
"Since all necessary mechanism are in placed we must ensure the safety of the residents," the President said.
She hailed the preparedness made by the Province of Albay Mayon volcano erupted several years ago.
"In the case of Albay they had a very good template that is why even before the major eruption occurs, the people are already in a safe area," she said.
Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Higways (DPWH) regional director Orlando Roces reported that de-silting of rivers have started.
In case of a major eruption, 18,963 families living near Mt. Bulusan will be evacuated.
During her visit, the President Arroyo brought with her used clothing and hundreds of canned goods.
Accompanying the President were Secretaries Michael Defensor, Rolando Andaya Jr., of budget, Esperanza Cabral of DSWD and NDCC Executive Director Glenn Rabonza.
(June 18, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Gonzales downplays terror threat in Cebu