Philippines
National
Task force orders completion of mandatory evacuation within Kanlaon Volcano's danger zone
Task force orders completion of mandatory evacuation within Kanlaon Volcano's danger zone
Residents living within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Kanlaon Volcano were directed to leave as the urgent evacuation order issued by Regional Task Force (RTF) “Kanlaon” was ought to be completed by Monday, Dec. 16.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said families who still refuse to leave their residences must now comply as the task force issued Memorandum Nos. 1 and 2 which mandates an urgent evacuation order within the six-kilometer PDZ.
The memorandum orders were issued by Western Visayas civil defense (OCD-6) Director Raul Fernandez, who also chairs the RTF Kanlaon, last Dec. 14.
“[L]ocal government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have been directed to complete the evacuation by December 16, 2024. The order comes in light of increased volcanic activity, prompting authorities to act swiftly to protect residents from potential hazards,” the OCD said.
The affected areas include La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, and San Carlos City all in Negros Occidental; and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
“Residents who have not yet evacuated are urged to comply with the order to avoid any risks associated with possible re-eruptions or a worst-case scenario of a violent eruption,” the OCD noted.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the number of affected residents decreased to 43,970 individuals as of Dec. 16, of which, around 16,000 were staying in evacuation centers.
Kanlaon Volcano erupted on Dec. 9, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to raise the alert to Level 3 which means more explosive eruptions could occur.
Officials have stressed that the potential for a violent eruption poses a significant threat to life and property. To mitigate the risk, the task force has implemented a comprehensive evacuation strategy aimed at saving lives and minimizing suffering in the event of a catastrophic eruption.
In addition to the evacuation order, new protocols have been established for the entry and exit of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who may need to return for essential activities within the extended 6-kilometer PDZ.
These protocols include:
- Entry/Exit Window: A designated window for entry and exit will be allowed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. only. Strictly, no entry will be permitted after this hour;
- Emergency Pick-Up Points: LGUs and law enforcement agencies manning border controls are to designate pick-up points for IDPs in case of a Kanlaon eruption or other emergencies;
- Barangay Assistance: Barangay officials will assist law enforcement agencies in validating the entry and exit of IDPs in the PDZ;
- Executive Orders Encouraged: Concerned LGUs are encouraged to adapt the above protocols through the issuance of local policies, such as Executive Orders.
Further, the OCD said that an “access pass” for IDPs shall be provided by the LGUs which the IDPs need to present whenever they enter or exit the PDZ.