DSWD has enough aid for Bulusan evacuees —spox

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday assured the public that there are enough resources to help those affected by the phreatic eruption of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said P390,000 worth of family food packs and hygiene kits have been distributed in Juban, Sorsogon, as of June 8.

"We have enough resources. Based on the June 8 report, we have P5 million worth of food on stockpile in Region 5. These are on standby in case additional food packs are needed," Dumlao said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

"There are also P611 million worth of standby funds in the central office and P1 billion in regional offices that we can use to help those who are affected by the ashfall in Bulusan. The DSWD stands ready to assist them."

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) earlier said it expects the residents displaced by Bulusan Volcano’s activity in Sorsogon to return to their homes within the week. 

Based on NDRRMC records, 406 people or 118 families have evacuated to two evacuation centers in Tughan, Juban, due to the activity of the volcano.

The NDRRMC also earlier said it is planning to permanently relocate all 60 families still residing within the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone of Bulusan Volcano. —KBK, GMA News