OCD prepares for Mt. Kanlaon Level 4, may evacuate 100K more

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is preparing for a potential escalation of Mt. Kanlaon's alert status to Level 4 on Negros Island, which would necessitate the evacuation of an additional 100,000 people within the extended 10-kilometer permanent danger zone.

Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno met with local officials in Canlaon City and La Castellana to discuss updates on Mt. Kanlaon's status and the needs of internally displaced persons following the December 9 eruption, emphasizing government support for evacuees.

Nepomuceno stressed the importance of safety measures as the volcano remains at Alert Level 3, indicating potential further explosive eruptions within a six-kilometer radius.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by those displaced, including emotional and practical difficulties such as leaving their livelihoods behind and the uncertainty of how long this situation will last.

The OCD chief also pledged to regularly communicate with local leaders to address needs immediately and ensure that evacuees receive ongoing government support.