MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) announced plans on Thursday to extend the permanent danger zone around Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island from six to 10 kilometers due to heightened risks of lahar flows triggered by a low-pressure area (LPA) off Mindanao.
Raul Fernandez, OCD Western Visayas director and chairman of Task Force Kanlaon, said this precautionary measure aimed to ensure the safety of residents and evacuees as volcanic activity persists.
Fernandez added that they were also planning to move the evacuation centers that were still within that range to at least outside of the 14-kilometer radius.
Currently, 29 evacuation centers have been established across Negros Island, alongside 10 family tents in La Carlota City.
Fernandez highlighted that evacuation efforts have been highly effective, achieving a 99.17 percent evacuation rate, which includes 5,772 families or 18,475 individuals.
Despite the successful evacuation, Fernandez emphasized the need for continued support for the displaced families.
“There are sufficient food and non-food items for the evacuees, thanks to government efforts and donations. However, since residents may remain in evacuation centers until after the New Year, we’re appealing for more diverse food options and recreational and educational materials for children,” he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned of a significant possibility of an explosive eruption based on ongoing volcanic activity, including frequent volcanic earthquakes. To manage the situation, local government units have issued special passes to allow evacuees to temporarily return to their homes to tend to their livelihood.
“While ensuring residents’ safety, we understand their need to look after their properties and animals. Camp passes allow designated family members to check on their homes and perform essential tasks, such as feeding livestock or farm maintenance, within a window period of 6 a.m. to 4 p.m,” Fernandez said.
Last Dec. 9, Phivolcs raised Alert Level 3 over Kanlaon after an explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent at 3:03 p.m. It produced a large plume that rose 9,800 feet and drifted west-southwest, with pyroclastic flow moving down the southeastern side of the volcano. The eruption generated ashfall that affected areas as far as Panay and Guimaras.
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