The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued a strong appeal to local authorities in Bago and La Castellana, Negros Occidental, to reconsider their decision to allow more than 4,000 evacuees to return to their homes near Mt. Kanlaon. This call comes as the volcano exhibits escalating signs of potential eruption, raising concerns about the safety of residents in the area.
OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno stressed the ongoing danger, stating that the situation is still too hazardous for residents to return. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to brace for a possible severe eruption, with the primary goal of preventing any loss of life.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by recent warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), which indicated that Mt. Kanlaon could soon escalate to Alert Level 4 from its current Level 3. Such an increase would extend the danger zone from six to ten kilometers, significantly impacting more residents.
Data from the Upper Pantao Observation Station has revealed alarming signs of volcanic activity, including increased volcanic inflation and a sudden decrease in sulfur dioxide emissions. These indicators suggest a build-up of internal pressure within the volcano, heightening the risk of a devastating eruption.
Nepomuceno highlighted the lethal speed of pyroclastic flows, which can travel between 30 to 600 kilometers per hour, making escape impossible for anyone within the danger zone. He also expressed concerns about the ability of rescue teams to operate effectively if an eruption occurs.
In addition to urging local officials to reassess their decision, Nepomuceno called on all residents, even those just outside the designated danger zone, to take the threat seriously and evacuate immediately. The OCD’s overarching aim is to ensure no casualties in the event of an eruption.