87,000 displaced people in the Philippines

ASIA/PHILIPPINES – A Fides Agency article on the more than 87,000 people displaced by the volcano eruption on Negros Island

San Carlos city (Agenzia Fides) – More than 87,000 people in the central Philippines are displaced after the volcanic eruption of Mount Kanlaon, located on Negros Island in the central Philippines.

The eruption began on Dec. 9 and poured gas and lava flows down the volcano’s southeastern flank, forcing the surrounding villages to immediately evacuate the population.

Located at an elevation of 2,400 meters above sea level, Kanlaon is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippine archipelago.

There are no casualties but the island’s population is experiencing displacement with severe hardship for survival and disruption of economic and social activities.

The government has assured support for affected families and said it is working to transport people to evacuation centers to offer temporary protection.

In the Diocese of San Carlos, which encompasses part of the territory of Negros Island, the faithful gathered in prayer, invoking God “that people be spared from the calamity.” “We acknowledge our sins against You and against Your creation. We have not been good stewards of nature. Nature suffers for our wrongs and our indifference.