OCD prepares for Kanlaon Volcano Alert Level 4, over 90k may be evacuated

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is preparing for a possible elevation of Kanlaon Volcano's alert level to Level 4, with OCD Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno stating that more than 90,000 individuals may need to be evacuated if this occurs.

An upgrade to Alert Level 4 would expand the danger zone from the current six kilometers to ten kilometers around the volcano.

Nepomuceno estimates that around 40,000 individuals might go to evacuation centers, while others will stay with relatives and friends.

The OCD is closely monitoring Kanlaon's activity, which has experienced a series of phreatic eruptions in recent months.

Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island had an explosive eruption lasting from 5:51 a.m. to 6:47 a.m. on Tuesday.

Currently, over 2,000 families, or more than 6,000 individuals, are already being assisted in evacuation centers by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units.