Expansion Mandatory Evacuation Possible as Kanlaon Continues Showing Signs of Magmatic Eruption;’ PHILVOCS: ‘Prepare as if the Alert Level Will Go Up’

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said it is too early to raise the alert level at Kanlaon Volcano. However, the agency is already preparing “worst case scenario planning.” 

Director Teresito Bacolcol of DOST-PHIVOLCS told Mariz Umali on 24 Oras, “We should prepare as if the alert level will go up.”

Worst Case Scenario Planning

The “worst case scenario planning includes considering widening the scope of the mandatory evacuation as a tropical cyclone has been reported to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the third week of December. There’s a possibility heavy rains will carry lahar from the volcano downstream.

Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, Deputy Administrator for Administration Education of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said they are considering widening the scope to a 10-kilometer radius. However, he added this consideration needs careful study because up to 139,000 residents would have to be evacuated. Thus, more evacuation centers and more provisions like food are needed. 

Challenges That Local Government May Face

As of Dec. 11, about 9,000 residents had taken refuge at 11 evacuation centers in La Castellana. After the evacuation, it is expected that the centers will be crowded. Aside from this challenge, the LGU is also eyeing a solution to sustain the food supply and other necessities.

“Ang problema natin is ang food. Syempre, ang DSWD, ang province, merong food packs na pwede nating i-repack. We need na bigyan sila ng gulay, and, of course, mobility at transportation,” said Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan.

PBBM Admin on Possible Evacuation Preparedness

Marcos Admin is ready for the possible evacuation of residents living near Kanlaon. President Bong-Bong Marcos said they have established plans for possible evacuations and are preparing to send essentials, such as food, water, etc., to residents in the centers.