OCD urges evacuees not to return near Kanlaon Volcano

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is urging local government units (LGUs) in Bago and La Castellana to reconsider allowing over 4,000 evacuees to return home near Kanlaon Volcano.

OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed that the situation remains too risky, emphasizing the need for anticipatory actions to prepare for a potentially more violent eruption and prioritizing zero casualties.

Phivolcs has warned that Kanlaon Volcano's alert status could be raised to Level 4 from the current Level 3, which would expand the danger zone from 6 kilometers to 10 kilometers.

Recent data indicates significant 'inflation' in the upper sections of the volcano's edifice and a sharp drop in sulfur dioxide emissions, signaling growing internal pressure.

Nepomuceno warned that residents in the danger zone may not be able to escape pyroclastic flows traveling at high speeds if an eruption occurs, and rescue teams may not be able to enter.