Bulusan ashfall damage P20M – NDRRMC

June 8 ------ THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said total damages to agriculture from the ashfall of Bulusan Volcano's phreatic explosion have reached an initial P20.2 million.

"Ang naitala po ng ating mga kasamahan sa Department of Agriculture, may estimated initial assessment po tayo na P20.2-million worth of damages po," NDRRMC spokesman Mark Timbal said at the Laging Handa public briefing. Hardest-hit, Timbal added, were mainly rice and high-value crops and poultry. In an earlier interview, he said the DA had put up evacuation sites that can be used for livestock in order to protect them from the dangers of ashfall, as well as provide assistance to affected local farmers. At present, cleaning is being undertaken in each barangay, Timbal added. He said an evacuation center that houses 260 individuals in Dughan, Sorsogon is being used. "Physical distancing was observed. If classrooms are used, only two families are allowed. Given were relief items, food packs and health necessities," Timbal said.

He said the situation in Sorsogon is still "manageable," adding that incumbent governor and senator-elect Francis Escudero said there is no need to declare a state of calamity. Timbal announced that residents can return to their homes as soon as the cleaning operations are finished. "So far the situation in Bulusan has become peaceful. I suppose that's the proper term. The cleaning activities had already started... We're just wanting to make sure once the residents return home, they will not be exposed to the ash that still lingers in the air," he said.

The towns of Irosin, Casiguran and Juvan were hit by ashfall, Timbal added. Local governments near the volcano have been reminded to prepare a contingency plan against emergencies, he said. On June 5, Bulusan Volcano erupted for 17 minutes, prompting the local government to evacuate affected residents.

Source: manilatimes.net