OCD prepares for Mt. Kanlaon alert level hike

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is preparing for a potential escalation of Mt. Kanlaon's alert level, including the establishment of tent cities in affected areas, should volcanic activity increase.

OCD 6 (Western Visayas) Director Raul Fernandez stated that while no volcanic activity was monitored on Wednesday, Phivolcs has outlined three possible scenarios: lava flow, violent eruption, or plateauing activity.

Following recent eruption activities, which Fernandez believes indicate potential lava flow, OCD is readying for a heightened alert level, maintaining the current Alert Level 3 as advised by Phivolcs.

Tent cities are being prepared in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, and in Vallehermoso municipality and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, to house potential evacuees.

Fernandez clarified that the current threat of lahar is not alarming because the volume of materials is not situated along waterways, but OCD is still proceeding with preparations as a precautionary measure.

The decision to raise the alert level will depend on the ongoing monitoring and advice from Phivolcs.