A volcanic eruption in the Philippines has forced at least 684 schools to close, affecting about 385,000[1] students, with nine schools converted into evacuation centers, Save the Children said.
Following the eruption on Monday, Mount Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island in central Philippines is on Alert Level 2, the highest level since the eruption, which indicates an increase in volcanic activity.[2]
Images on social media showed an ash cloud shooting into sky and homes covered in volcanic ash, with at least 43 earthquakes recorded since Monday’s explosion which lasted 6 minutes.[3]
The Philippines is no stranger to volcanic activity and sits in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.
Local relief efforts underway
On June 4, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office-6 was deployed to provide psychosocial support to children and youth evacuees of the eruption at La Castellana Elementary School.
The DSWD, vice-chair of the Disaster Response Cluster and lead agency of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster of the NDRRMC, aims to ensure the well-being of affected individuals.
Meanwhile, Canlaon City Mayor Batchuk Cardenas visited, on June 5, evacuees located at Macario Española Memorial School and Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School-Uptown Campus.
The local government provided relief assistance to the evacuees, with 54 families (equivalent to 162 internally displaced persons) receiving food packs and other kits.
Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children Philippines, said
“This eruption has halted education in at least 684 schools and hundreds of thousands of children have been affected by the Mount Kanlaon eruption. Experts have warned that volcanic activity may continue. We urge everyone to follow safety guidance issued by the authorities and Save the Children Philippines stands ready to assist those affected.”
Source:
Disasternews.com
Philippines: Mount Kanlaon Eruption Forces 385,000 Children out of School
