The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday cautioned evacuees from the Kanlaon eruption that it is still unsafe to return to their homes within the six-kilometer extended danger zone of the volcano.
“As much as possible, we at the Office of Civil Defense, along with other government agencies like Phivolcs, don’t want you to be in trouble,” said OCD Western Visayas Director Raul Fernandez, chair of Task Force Kanlaon.
Fernandez emphasized the unpredictability of volcanic activity, disabusing the belief of some individuals that they understand Kanlaon’s behavior. “But then there’s always a first time,” he warned.
The OCD Western Visayas chief referenced the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, which had been dormant for 600 years before erupting and causing widespread destruction.
“People were saying: ‘Pinatubo hasn’t erupted.’ It did, so there’s always a first time. And if that happens with Kanlaon, we might become victims,” he cautioned.
Fernandez reassured evacuees not to worry too much about their livelihoods at this time, as government assistance is available.
“We will help each other. That’s precisely the reason why we’re here in your municipalities and cities—to show you that we have the support of the President,” he added.
Fernandez explained that evacuees have been authorized to visit their lands and harvest produce from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, they must seek permission so authorities can monitor the number of individuals in the danger zone.
“This is for your own safety,” he reiterated, stressing the importance of knowing who might need to be evacuated if Kanlaon erupts.
