The six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) around Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island may be extended to 10 kilometers due to the potential for lahar flows caused by heavy rainfall.
The Office of Civil Defense Region 6 is consulting with Phivolcs and PAGASA to monitor the situation and assess the recommendation.
The possible expansion could affect nine additional barangays, leading to concerns from the La Castellana local government, which is already facing depleted resources for evacuees. One solution being considered is relocating evacuees to tent cities in Himamaylan City.
Phivolcs said these measures are precautionary and do not indicate an immediate disaster.
The agency recorded 22 volcanic quakes at Kanlaon Volcano over a 24-hour period, nearly two weeks after it had an explosive eruption that displaced thousands in Negros Island.
Based on its latest bulletin issued yesterday, Phivolcs reported 22 volcanic quakes from 12 a.m. Friday until 12 a.m. Saturday
State volcanologists said Kanlaon’s activity continues to indicate “intensified unrest” under Alert Level 3.
