NDRRMC: More than P2M worth of aid given to Taal victims

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday said more than P2 million worth of assistance was given to residents affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

A total of P2,154,886.50 worth of aid was provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to affected families in CALABARZON, especially in Batangas and Cavite, the NDRRMC stated in its latest situation report.

The council said a total of 10,455 families or 44,065 individuals have been affected in Batangas and Cavite. Of that number, 9,508 families or 40,126 people are currently staying in 189 evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC further reported that as of January 14, all national road sections in CALABARZON were already passable.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture said the damage to agriculture caused by the volcanic activity was already at P577.39 million.

Alert Level 4 is still raised over Taal Volcano as its hazardous eruption is still possible, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

The NDRRMC earlier called on residents near Taal Volcano to temporarily evacuate their residences to ensure their safety,

Taal Volcano’s phreatic eruption last Sunday resulted in class and work suspensions in CALABARZON and nearby areas.

Numerous domestic and international flights were also canceled. —KG, GMA News