OCD eyes more tent cities in case of Kanlaon eruption

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is planning to set up additional tent cities in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental in preparation for a potential major eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, according to Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, who spoke on Wednesday.

This preparation is in response to the possibility of the volcano reaching Alert Level 4, which would require the evacuation of about 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Nepomuceno noted that a Tent City has already been established in Himamaylan City, with plans to expand to other areas, including Talisay City in the north, Kabankalan City in the south, and the Pana-ad Stadium. In Negros Oriental, Tent Cities are being considered for Vallehermoso and Guihulngan.

He emphasized the importance of keeping evacuees in the centers and not allowing them to return to their homes. This is crucial to ensuring their safety, particularly if the alert level is raised.

Earlier, local governments in Bago City, La Castellana, and La Carlota City permitted residents outside the six-kilometer danger zone to return home.

Regarding the government’s readiness in the event of an Alert Level 4 declaration, Nepomuceno assured that the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Health (DOH) are prepared with food and medical kits.

“The national government is ready. Our concern is how quickly we can evacuate 100,000 people. It’s not easy to move them to ensure no one is harmed. Do we have enough time?” Nepomuceno said.

Based on reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Kanlaon Volcano may erupt at any time. However, Nepomuceno clarified that there is no immediate danger to residents outside the six-kilometer danger zone.

Despite this, he urged the public to heed the warnings of authorities for their own safety.

As of January 15, the OCD reported that the Kanlaon eruption threat has affected 12,285 families, or 46,922 people, in regions 6 and 7. Of this number, 3,165 families (10,031 persons) are outside evacuation centers, while 2,408 families (7,576 people) are within evacuation centers.

Nepomuceno assured evacuees that all national government departments are ready to provide assistance in the event of a Kanlaon eruption.

On Wednesday, Nepomuceno met with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, PHIVOLCS Chief Science Research Specialist Ma. Antonia Bornas, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, and La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Manguilimutan at the Capitol to discuss further preparations.