5 mayors seek state of calamity declaration in Taal to access more funds

Mayors of five towns affected by Taal Volcano’s heightened activity sought a state of calamity declaration in the area, a move that will allow local governments to access more funds. Declaring a state of calamity would allow San Nicolas, Talisay, Cuenca, Agoncillo and Balete towns to "use their calamity funds," San Nicolas mayor Epifanio Sandoval told GMA News. Calamity funds account for five percent of local government funds. Since government volcanologists raised the alert on the Volcano to 2 last week, some 1,500 people have fled the area. Although forced evacuations are not yet needed, travel to the island volcano is discouraged. Coast Guard warns against traveling to Taal volcano At least 12 families or about 50 Taal residents have already sought refuge in evacuation centers in San Nicolas. Taal residents asked to voluntarily evacuate Local government executives have been shelling out around P5,000 daily from their government funds to accommodate evacuees, Sandoval said. In response to the mayors' request, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste said he was open to declaring a state of calamity in order to release calamity funds. However, Leviste said the situation on the volcano and the threats it poses must first be re-assessed to determine the urgency of making such declaration. In the last 24 hours, 15 earthquakes, mostly mild ones, had been recorded on the Taal Volcano. On Wednesday, water temperature at the Kalawit side of the Taal Lake was measured at 34 degrees Celsius. Seaside leveling survey also revealed an enlargement on the southeast side of the volcano. The Taal Volcano has erupted 33 times in recorded history, with the last happening on October 3, 1977. - Mark D. Merueñas/RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV