Authorities are planning to extend the permanent danger zone around the Kanlaon Volcano to ensure the safety of local residents from the possible adverse impact of the low pressure area (LPA) that was monitored off the waters of Mindanao.

From the six kilometer danger zone, the Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas is eyeing to extend it to 10 kilometers to secure local residents from lahar flow, according to Raul Fernandez, the agency regional director and chairperson of Task Force Kanlaon.

“We’re also planning to move the evacuation centers that are still within that range, from six to 10 kilometers, to at least outside of the 14 kilometer radius,” said Fernandez.

On Dec. 9, alert level 3 was hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano after it erupted anew. This triggered massive preemptive evacuations in the area.

Based on the OCD data, there are around 29 evacuation centers in Negros Island, along with 10 family tents set up in La Carlota City. 

A total of 18,475 persons  from 5,772 families were evacuated within the six-kilometer danger zone. The figure represents 99.17% evacuation rate of residents in the permanent danger zone.

Authorities are now preventing the local residents from going back, especially now that the downpour that the LPA could bring could trigger lahar flow.

“Based on the assessment of Phivolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology), there’s still a huge possibility of an explosive eruption anytime. This is based on the volcanic activity that is ongoing, including volcanic earthquakes,” said Fernandez. 

But he said passes are being issued to evacuees who need to temporarily check on their homes and properties. 

“While we need to ensure the safety of residents, we can’t discount the fact that most of their livelihood is left behind. That’s why the LGUs issued camp passes for designated family members who will return to feed animals or take care of farm chores,” said Fernandez.

 “We’re giving them a window period to conduct this activity between 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.”,” he added.

Fernandez also assured that there are sufficient food and non-food items for the evacuees, sourced not only from the government but also from generous donors. 

However, as residents may need to remain in evacuation centers until after the New Year, the OCD official appealed for more diverse food choices and recreational and educational materials for children.