The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is planning to expand the permanent danger zone around Kanlaon volcano in Negros Island.
The OCD explained that the expansion is necessary due to the risk posed by a low pressure area (LPA) in Mindanao, which is causing rainfall in the Visayas region and may lead to lahar flow.
Consequently, the agency is evaluating the possibility of expanding the danger zone from the current 6 km to 10 km.
Furthermore, the expansion could potentially affect evacuation centers that are planned to be relocated within the 14-km radius of the volcano.
Currently, there are 29 evacuation centers on Negros Island, where 99% of individuals have been evacuated, which is equivalent to 5,772 families or 18,475 people who have complied with the evacuation order to leave the permanent danger zone.
Meanwhile, local government units have issued passes allowing representatives from each family to access their properties, but this is only permitted from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
On December 9, Kanlaon Volcano erupted explosively, leading PHIVOLCS to raise its alert status to Level 3.
