Residents of sitio in La Carlota seek more medical equipment after Kanlaon eruption

Residents of Sitio Guintubdan in La Carlota, Negros Occidental are now appealing for assistance from the local government unit to boost equipment in medical facilities after experiencing respiratory diseases following the eruption of Mount Kanlaon last week.

Residents have been reported to have experienced colds and complained of the smell coming from the ash and sulfur, with some even experiencing diarrhea due to the lack of water in the area, making the need for more oxygen tanks, hospital beds, and supplies.

“Kung kinakailangan natin i-equip dahil ‘yan ang nire-require, then let’s lobby it to the local government unit. Ang ating CDRRMO ay nag-install din ng improvised clinic together with our City Health Office,” City Social Welfare and Development Office head Angie Gelongo said in translated remarks in a report by GMA Regional TV One Western Visaas' Adrian Prietos on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

This comes as the eruption of Mount Kanlaon last week, emitting plumes that rose to 5,000 meters and triggering an Alert Level 2 or “increasing unrest,” which means that there is a slight increase in volcanic earthquake and steam activity.

Phivolcs said 17 volcanic earthquakes occurred at Kanlaon Volcano on Saturday, after it raised the alert level at Kanlaon Volcano from 1 to 2 last week.

For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said a 60-day price freeze is in effect in La Castellana town, which was earlier placed under state of calamity after rains caused lahar flows from the volcano, resulting in a cement-like flood along the streets. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News