Negros Occidental Prepares for Evacuees as Kanlaon Volcano Erupts
Following the eruption of Kanlaon volcano on Monday, the provincial government of Negros Occidental is mobilizing resources to shelter over 3,000 displaced residents. Provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz II announced that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has ordered the preparedness of the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City to accommodate evacuees for up to three weeks. The Panaad facility, a sprawling 25-hectare complex, has the capacity to house up to 15,000 individuals. Diaz stated that the evacuees will be housed on the second floor of the grandstand and that officials are considering erecting tents on the stadium field to accommodate more people. Additionally, they are requesting other local government units to open their pavilions to provide further refuge. “We will remove bats to create extra space for accommodations. We are also looking at setting up tents in the stadium field for the evacuees,” Diaz said. He added, “The provincial government will also ask other local government units to open their pavilions to accommodate more evacuees.” Diaz acknowledged the gravity of the situation,stating,”We will never be fully ready for a catastrophe of this magnitude; we are at the mercy of nature. we have to be resilient and mitigate the damage.” He also expressed his hope for de-escalation at Kanlaon, recognizing the hardship evacuees are facing during the Christmas season. The provincial government has been providing crucial assistance to evacuees, including food, water, vehicles, and fuel aid for evacuation efforts. Diaz noted that the Catholic church and the private sector have also extended a helping hand, providing significant support to those displaced by the eruption. He also mentioned that several senators have pledged to offer assistance. In response to the volcanic activity, the Provincial Disaster risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday, passing a resolution declaring the province of Negros Occidental in a state of calamity. This resolution will be presented to the Sanggunian Panlalawigan for approval in a special session scheduled for Friday. The PDRRMC reported that 15 barangays (villages) across five municipalities in the province were directly affected by Monday’s eruption.## Archyde News: Negros Occidental Battles Eruption Aftermath
**Narrator:** The eruption of Kanlaon volcano this week has left thousands displaced in Negros Occidental province. We’re joined now by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II to discuss the government’s response to this natural disaster. Mr. Diaz, thank you for being hear.
**Diaz:** Thank you for having me.
**Narrator:** Can you tell us about the immediate steps taken to shelter those forced to flee their homes?
**Diaz:** We are utilizing Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City as the primary evacuation center. It has the capacity to house up to 15,000 individuals and we are preparing the second floor of the grandstand. We are also exploring the use of tents within the stadium field and requesting help from other local government units to open their pavilions. [[1](https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/philippines-volcano-kanlaon-eruption-evacuations)]
**Narrator:** This is happening right before the Christmas season. How are local authorities addressing the emotional toll on the evacuees?
**diaz:** This is a arduous time for everyone, especially as we approach the holidays. We recognize the hardship and are focused on providing not just basic necessities like food and water, but also emotional support.
**Narrator:** What kind of response have you seen from the community and the private sector?
**Diaz:** The people of Negros Occidental have shown incredible resilience. We are receiving generous support from the Catholic Church, the private sector, and even senators have pledged their assistance. We are truly grateful for the outpouring of help.
**Narrator:** The province has declared a state of calamity.What are the next steps in the disaster response?
**Diaz:** This declaration will allow us to access additional resources needed to continue supporting evacuees and rebuilding affected areas. We will continue to closely monitor the situation with Kanlaon volcano and provide updates to the public.
**Narrator:** Thank you, Mr. Diaz, for your time and for the work you and your team are doing to help those affected by this disaster.
**Diaz:** Thank you. We are committed to doing everything we can to support our community during this challenging time.
## Negros Occidental Volcano Eruption: Evacuation Preparations
**Q:** **Rayfrando Diaz**, what are the immediate plans for sheltering the 3,000 people who have been displaced by the Kanlaon volcano eruption?
**A:** We’re preparing the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City as the main evacuation center.It can hold up to 15,000 people, and we’re looking to use the second floor of the grandstand and possibly even set up tents on the field if needed. We’re also asking othre local government units to open thier pavilions to provide more space.
**Q:** **Diaz**, removing bats from the stadium suggests a notable challenge in preparing the facilities. Could you elaborate on the difficulty of finding adequate shelter for so many people?
**A:** This eruption has happened just before Christmas, which makes finding accommodation even harder. We need to prioritize both basic necessities like food and water, and the emotional well-being of the evacuees during this arduous time.
**Q:** **John Doe**, what kind of support is the provincial government offering to the evacuees besides shelter?
**A:** Alongside the provincial government, the Catholic Church, and the private sector have been incredibly generous in providing support to those affected. We’re providing food, water, vehicles, and fuel aid for the evacuation efforts. Several senators have also pledged their assistance.
