BACOLOD CITY - The municipality of Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental has declared a state of calamity in anticipation of the influx of evacuees fleeing a possible eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, a statement released by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) on Christmas Day said.
Vallehermoso is the second local government unit in the province to declare a state of calamity following recent heightened activities of the volcano.
The Municipal Council convened a special session on Dec. 20 to address the imminent threat from ongoing magmatic activity of the volcano.
The OCD said that the council addressed the significant social disruptions expected from a possible influx of internally displaced persons should Alert Levels 4 or 5 be issued.
The resolution highlighted Vallehermoso's strategic location, noting that it is the nearest emergency haven to Canlaon City, where the volcano is situated, making it a critical site for receiving and accommodating evacuees during a volcanic crisis.
It was unanimously approved, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to manage the anticipated challenges effectively.
Canlaon City has been under a state of calamity since the June 3 eruption this year.