Over P17 million worth of assistance given to Taal evacuees

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Sunday morning said Taal evacuees have been given P17,227,950.61 worth of assistance by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health and local government units.

In its situational report, the NDRRMC said 22,472 families or 96,061 people have been affected so far in Batangas, Laguna and Cavite by Taal Volcano's activity.

Of this number, 16,174 families or 70,413 people are staying temporarily in 300 evacuation centers.

Alert Level 4 is still in effect over Taal Volcano on Saturday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, with a hazardous explosive eruption possible within hours to days.

A total of 691 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network from 1 p.m. of January 12 until Saturday, Jan. 19. Of this number, 175 had magnitudes ranging from 1.2 to 4.1 and were felt at Intensities I to V.

As of Saturday, power has been restored in 17 cities and municipalities in Cavite, Laguna and Batangas.

The Department of Health deployed to Batangas five Health Emergency Response Teams from five DOH hsopitals: Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, Rizal Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and National Children's Hospital.

The Department of Public Works and Highways said it has conducted cleaning and clearing of ashfall, hauling of ashes, and pruning of trees on road sections outside danger zone.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police - Balete Municipal Station, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force on Saturday patrolled the territorial waters of Balete, Batangas to prevent evacuees from returning to their homes. —KG, GMA News