BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson is seeking divine intervention to calm down Kanlaon Volcano which remains restive almost a month after it erupted on Dec. 9.

“What we need right now is divine intervention – almost a miracle – for the volcano to suddenly calm down and rest,” Lacson said.

LACSON

Lacson said the number of evacuees has stabilized.

The governor plans to meet the Office of Civil Defense next week to discuss the possibility of allowing evacuees to return home.

“Experts say it will erupt, but they do not know when it will happen. There is a decision to be made,” Lacson said.

He said that no casualties have been recorded from the Dec. 9 eruption and he is exploring the possibility of allowing residents to return home.

Lacson said the ongoing ash emissions from the volcano prevent a change in the alert level and there is a very high possibility that Internally Displaced Individuals (IDPs) will have to remain in evacuation centers.

He noted that evacuees are facing difficulties in evacuation centers. “They will eventually be tired and health-wise, it is safer for them to return home,” said Lacson.

Lacson said he is worried that the alert level would be raised to four which means more evacuations would be necessary and further complicate the situation.

The governor thanked the national government for providing P50 million for evacuees that complements the fund from the provincial government under a state of calamity.