OCD Urges Kanlaon Evacuees to Remain in Shelters Over Christmas Amid Volcanic Activity

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The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued a strong recommendation for residents evacuated from areas near Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island to stay in evacuation centers during the Christmas holidays. This advice comes in response to the ongoing volcanic activity of Mt. Kanlaon. Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno of the OCD emphasized the importance of staying safe, stating, ‘Residents within the extended 6 km radius permanent danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon, please stay in the evacuation centers and do not return to your homes yet. Your safety is our top priority.’ The evacuation, completed by the Canlaon City government on Tuesday night, involved over 6,000 individuals from five villages within the 6 km permanent danger zone. Nepomuceno stressed the dangers of returning home during this period of unrest and warned that no rescue operations would be possible inside the danger zone in the event of an eruption. He called for the cooperation of all residents and assured continued government support for those in the evacuation centers. He also encouraged everyone to stay vigilant and keep informed through official channels to ensure their safety during this critical period.