Camiguin’s eruption blueprint revealed

WITH a history characterized by volcanic eruptions, the local government of Camiguin is taking steps to safeguard its people.

On September 13, Raquel Ranara, the Mambajao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, even presented their Draft Contingency Plan for Volcanic Eruption at the New Capitol Building in Mambajao.

Camiguin, known as the “island born of fire,” has experienced five volcanic eruptions in recent times.

The most devastating eruption occurred in December 1951, claiming the lives of over 500 people and causing significant damage.

According to Ranara, due to the active volcano, Hibok-Hibok, there is always a possibility of another eruption.

The new Contingency Plan for Volcanic Eruption aims to address this issue, as stated by Ranara.

She emphasized the importance of establishing evacuation routes, designated safe areas, and implementing early warning systems as key components of the plan.

Ranara mentioned that these measures should help minimize the number of casualties and injuries during an eruption.

Additionally, the plan incorporates existing measures to mitigate risks.

These measures include adhering strictly to the land use plan, following approved guidelines for tourism development, and engaging in informative and educational campaigns conducted by national and local authorities.

The government has also established a three-kilometer danger zone around the volcano and collaborates with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) to monitor volcanic activities.

Currently, there are eight seismic monitoring stations on the island.

The plan encompasses several other objectives. These include: 1) Providing information and warnings; 2) Coordinating a well-planned and inclusive response to eruptions;

3) Reducing the number of casualties and property damage; 4) Enhancing the capacities of emergency response resources;

5) Promoting effective collaboration between different groups; 6) Offering immediate and appropriate assistance to affected towns;

7) Identifying and addressing challenges and gaps in responding to volcanic eruption emergencies.

To achieve these goals, Ranara said the plan establishes response clusters, where each cluster is responsible for a specific aspect of disaster management.

These aspects encompass search and rescue operations, managing evacuation camps, supplying food and essential items, education, healthcare, logistics, maintaining law and order, handling the deceased and missing individuals, emergency communication, debris clearance, shelter, and early recovery.

Each response cluster must develop a comprehensive plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, activities, available resources, and potential resource gaps.

By creating this contingency plan, Camiguin demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of its residents in the face of potential volcanic hazards.

Ranara emphasized that the plan signifies the province’s proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property, as well as enhancing its disaster readiness and response capabilities.