Manila: La Carlota City in Negros Occidental, which faced severe ashfall after the explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on April 8, has been provided with vital resources including a water tanker and filtration systems by two national government agencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, ashfall contamination affected spring water sources in two barangays of the city, leading to a limited water supply in the impacted communities. On Thursday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) delivered portable water filtration systems, along with shelter repair and hygiene kits, to La Carlota City. The neighboring Bago City also received shelter repair kits as part of the support initiatives.

These resources are intended to assist local government units as they respond to the aftermath of Mt. Kanlaon's eruption. During a visit to La Carlota City on April 11, OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno discussed the needs of the affected residents with Mayor Rex Jalando-on. The disruption in potable water supply has impacted approximately 3,000 households, or about 12,000 individuals, who have been relying on rationed drinking water, according to data from the city government.

On April 19, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 6 handed over a water tanker from the central office to the La Carlota City Evacuation Center. This tanker, capable of transporting large volumes of potable water, aims to bolster the supply and delivery of clean water to evacuation centers and communities experiencing shortages.

The DSWD has also previously provided a mobile kitchen unit to La Carlota City. 'The equipment (is) part of the agency's ongoing logistic initiatives aimed at enhancing its capability to provide timely and effective assistance to communities affected by calamities,' the DSWD-6 stated.