The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued a stern warning to local authorities in Bago and La Castellana, Negros Occidental, urging them to reconsider their decision to allow more than 4,000 evacuees to return to their homes near the increasingly volatile Mt. Kanlaon. This appeal comes in the wake of the volcano’s explosive eruption on December 9, 2024, and its continued signs of potential further eruptions.
OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the ongoing danger, stating that the situation around Mt. Kanlaon remains highly risky. He stressed the importance of preparing for the worst possible scenario, which could involve a more violent eruption, and reiterated that the primary goal is to ensure no 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 the volcano might escalate from Alert Level 3 to Level 4, thereby expanding the danger zone from six to ten kilometers.
Data from the Upper Pantao Observation Station has revealed concerning signs of volcanic inflation and a significant decrease in sulfur dioxide emissions, suggesting an increase in internal pressure and the potential for a catastrophic eruption. Nepomuceno highlighted the lethal speed of pyroclastic flows, which could reach speeds of 30 to 600 kilometers per hour, making escape impossible for residents within the danger zone.
He also cautioned that rescue operations might be unable to reach those in need if an eruption occurs. Nepomuceno urged not only those within the danger zone but also residents just outside it to take the threat seriously and evacuate immediately to avoid any casualties.