The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is closely coordinating with affected local government units (LGUs) for the ongoing evacuation of 45,291 residents who still need to be relocated due to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island.
This situation arises as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has urged LGUs to prepare for a possible escalation in alert levels should the volcano’s activity persist or worsen.
In a press briefing, OCD Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro reported that the target population for evacuation, based on data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, is approximately 84,549 individuals, or nearly 17,000 families.
“But as we speak, we have evacuated 46 percent of that, or close to 39,258 persons, or 9,942 families,” Alejandro stated, noting that efforts are ongoing to assist the remaining residents.
Currently, about 12,000 evacuees are in designated evacuation centers, while others are staying with relatives.
“Local government units with communities around the 6 km permanent danger zone are continuing with their evacuation efforts. We are talking about La Carlota City, La Castellana City, and Canlaon City. More or less 30 or 29 evacuation centers have been activated, and we are continuously providing support to the different LGUs through the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” he added.
Alejandro indicated that they are preparing for a three-week scenario based on Phivolcs’ advisory.
“We are looking or planning for a worst-case scenario. If the alert level goes up, the permanent danger zone might be extended to 8 km, affecting 116,000 individuals; and if we extend further to 10 km, we will have 139,000 individuals.”
As the number of evacuees continues to rise and the holiday season approaches, Alejandro assured that they are committed to making the stay of evacuees comfortable, as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“We are using different resources from the AFP, Coast Guard, PNP, and from the DPWH to fast-track our evacuation efforts. We are keeping in mind how we can further improve our evacuation centers by providing their basic necessities like wash facilities, community kitchens, and of course their private spaces,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Director Donato Sermeno III of OCD Negros Island Region highlighted the urgency of evacuating residents within the 6 km radius of the volcano and ensuring the readiness of evacuation centers.
“The OCD central office is sending 1,000 units of tents as they plan to set these up in Panaad Park in case the alert level is hiked. Even in areas like Himamaylan, they are setting up evacuation centers too.”
Additionally, Director Joel Erestain of OCD Region 7 urged residents in Canlaon City who have declined evacuation to heed the government’s call.
“Mayor Chubasco Cardenas has issued an executive order mandating the evacuation of all up to the 6 km radius. They are doing a staggered evacuation prioritizing those with vulnerabilities,” Erestain stated.
