OCD considers 10km danger zone for Kanlaon Volcano due to LPA

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas is considering extending the permanent danger zone around Kanlaon Volcano from six to 10 kilometers due to a low pressure area (LPA) that may cause lahar flow.

OCD Western Visayas director Raul Fernandez stated they are monitoring PAGASA weather reports, as a weather disturbance might trigger a "massive evacuation."

Mudflows were reported in some villages in La Castellana town and La Carlota City, both in Negros Occidental, due to recent rains.

While the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recommended a six-kilometer-radius evacuation, they have not officially expanded it to 10 km.

A resident volcanologist warned that prolonged and heavy rainfall may generate post-eruption lahars from the volcano's December 9 eruption.

Phivolcs identified 111 barangays in 14 localities within the lahar hazard zone.

Authorities are prohibiting residents from returning to their homes, especially with current weather conditions that could trigger lahar flow.