Affected families in Taal eruption reach 17.5K

FILE: Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) personnel assist the residents of Lemery, Batangas affected by the spewing of Taal Volcano as they move to safer grounds on Monday (Jan. 13, 2020). To avoid hazards caused by ashfall, the Department of Health (DOH) is advising the public to remain indoors and keep all windows and doors closed. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA — The number of families affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas rose to 17,555, the National Disaster Risk and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Friday.

In its 6 a.m. update, the NDRRMC said this is equivalent to 77,438 persons.

Based on the NDRRMC report, all the affected families came from Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna.

Of this number, 15,047 families or 66,262 persons are temporarily staying in 283 evacuation centers.

As of this posting, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health has so far provided PHP11,282,380 worth of assistance to the affected families.