As the Philippine Institute on Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) notified the public and concerned authorities of the phreatic eruption of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon, today June 5, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon ordered the quick deployment of the PRC volunteers and staff to do an assessment and provide immediate services.
“Agad nagpadala ang Red Cross ng ating mga volunteers at staff upang magbigay ng tulong sa mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng phreatic eruption ng Mt. Bulusan. Makaaasa ang ating mga kababayan na hindi natin sila iiwan hanggang masiguro natin ang kanilang kaligtasan,” Chairman Gordon said.
Local disaster authorities reported the light to moderate ashfall and sulfuric fumes to the extreme northern part of Irosin Municipality and eastern part of Juban Municipality. Affected areas include Puting Sapa, Bura-Buran, Aniog, Bacolod, Catanusan, Guruyan, and Calmayon.
48 individuals and 10 families of Juban Municipality, including the vulnerable sectors (senior citizens, persons with respiratory ailments, children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers), are now in Tughan Isolation Area as the main evacuation center.
With this incident, the PRC Sorsogon, Albay, and Catanduanes Chapters initially deployed the following assets:
• Ambulance (1)
• Food Truck (1)
• Water Tanker (1)
Hot meals were also served to affected individuals.
Chairman Gordon also ensured the safety of all responding personnel of the PRC through the issuance of deployment reminders and guidelines.
“Hinihikayat ko rin ang ating mga volunteers and staff na sundin ang mga itinakdang guidelines upang makaiwas sa masamang epekto ng insidenteng ito sa ating kalusugan,” Chairman Gordon added
For immediate assistance, please call PRC Hotline 143.
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