Bacolod City – Canlaon City in Negros Oriental may experience food shortages and economic strain on farming communities, following destruction of 1,639 hectares of crops due to the effects of southwest the monsoon, enhanced by tropical storms Gener and Helen.
A statement issued by the Canlaon City government said the destruction of planted crops affected 1,533 farmers, many of whom rely heavily on high value crops, rice, and corn, for their livelihood, which are critical to both local consumption and trade.
In addition to the impact of the adverse weather, it said that 43.10 hectares of agricultural land was affected by sulfur dioxide emissions from Mt. Kanlaon, directly impacting 81 farmers.
To make matters worse, the affected areas around the volcano are also facing deteriorating soil conditions, further complicating recovery efforts, the statement added.
As of Wednesday, a total of 288 families, or 919 individuals, have been displaced by the combined effects of volcanic activity and heavy rainfall.
Aside from relief goods being distributed to affected residents, Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said they are looking into the possibility of extending financial assistance to the agricultural sector, the recovery of damaged infrastructures, and further aid distribution.
We are working hand in hand with local and national authorities to make sure our people are taken care of. We will not stop until every family and community in Canlaon has the support they need, Cardenas further said.
In the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology logged five volcanic quakes and recorded 10,880 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions from Kanlaon volcano.
On the other hand, classes in La Castellana, which are also affected by ongoing restiveness of Kanlaon volcano, have remained suspended until September 20, according to an executive order issued by Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star)