ASIA/PHILIPPINES - More than 87,000 displaced after volcanic eruption on the Island of Negros

San Carlos City (Agenzia Fides) - More than 87,000 people in the central Philippines were forced to leave their homes following the eruption of Mount Kanlaon, located on the island of Negros, in the central Philippines. The eruption began on December 9 and caused an extremely hot flow of ash, debris and rocks on the southeast flank of the volcano, forcing the surrounding villages to immediately evacuate their populations. Kanlaon, located 2,400 meters above sea level, is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippine archipelago. Although there were no victims, the island's population is affected by evacuation measures. The government has pledged support to the affected families and said it is working to get people to evacuation centers to help them to provide temporary protection.
In the diocese of San Carlos, which covers part of the territory of the island of Negros, the faithful gathered to pray and asked God “that the people be spared from harm.” “We confess our sins against you and against Your creation. We have not been good guardians of nature. Nature suffers from our injustice and indifference. Typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters are occurring in increasing numbers and intensity. Let us pray and invoke the protection of the Most High,” said a statement from the diocese. “We want to accompany our prayers with concrete help,” said the Bishop of San Carlos, Gerardo Alminaza, who asked for donations for the displaced. “Difficult times can indeed be the best times to witness our faith, show our love for one another and affirm our mission to truly care for our common home”, said the bishop.
Meanwhile, Caritas groups are already working in the diocese of San Carlos and the neighboring dioceses to help the affected communities. The local Caritas office of the diocese of San Carlos has published an appeal for donations, asking for essential goods , drinking water, food parcels and medicines, "in the spirit of Christian charity, as Christmas is just around the corner". The volcano had already shown signs of activity last June and again in September, emitting dangerous gases. According to records from the Institute of Volcanology, Kanlaon has erupted more than 40 times since 1866. In the Philippines, which lie in the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are 75 percent of all volcanoes in the world, and there are 24 active volcanoes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 12/12/2024)

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