OCD prepares 'Plan Exodus' for Canlaon City residents if Mount Kanlaon erupts

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) is preparing 'Plan Exodus' for evacuating Canlaon City residents in case Mount Kanlaon's unrest leads to a hazardous eruption.

Discussions with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development began in September, focusing on identifying potential relocation sites outside Canlaon City.

Civil Defense Central Visayas Director Joel Erestain emphasized the critical need for preparedness, noting that temporary land is being sought from the DENR for evacuees if an eruption becomes imminent.

Routes to Vallehermoso and Benedicto towns are being considered as possible evacuation paths from Canlaon City, while other routes like La Castellana are deemed unsuitable due to proximity risks.

The OCD continues to monitor volcanic activity closely; PHIVOLCS recorded 37 volcanic earthquakes on Monday, with Kanlaon Volcano remaining at Alert Level 3.