31 July 2015 – The Andam Lahar team together with Bgry. Lidong of Sto. Domingo, Albay wrapped the lahar preparedness training through a simulation exercise. Participated by various organizations from government agencies, CSOs, media, and selected households from six (6) puroks of the community which includes women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities, CDRC took part during the exercise and the assessment that followed.
Aimed to widen the awareness of the community on the Lahar risks as the onset of the rainy and typhoon seasons has already started. Andam Lahar team facilitated Albay’s very first Lahar Simulation Drill where household participants were given 3 advisories to guide them. Led by MDRRM Office and BDRRM Council, “evacuees” were advised to vacate their houses after the 3rd advisory and go directly to the nearest evacuation center.
Actors in the drill observed the prioritization of the vulnerable individuals (PWDs and sick people, elderlies, pregnant women, and children) in the evacuation process. Essential facilities and services like health and medical station and relief distribution were also present.
Evacuees brought along with them some food, mats, bag of clothes, water, firewood and other basic necessities when in evacuation Center. The Barangay Council distributed hot meals to the actors aside from the relief goods (packed lunch) which the consortium provided.
Present and in full support, Sto. Domingo Mayor Jun Aguas expressed his gratitude to the Andam Lahar consortium for the conduct of the simulation exercise, the IEC materials distributed, and for choosing their Municipality as one of the recipients of the project for according to him, it was very beneficial to their Municipality especially that it is within the vicinity of Mt. Mayon.
The activity concluded with an assessment where CDRC and CARE Philippines provided inputs and recommendations to further improve communities’ lahar preparedness.