Manila: The local government of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental: is urging internally displaced persons (IDPs) to refrain from returning to their residences and farms within the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) due to heightened activity at Mt. Kanlaon.
According to Philippines News Agency, Canlaon City Public Information Officer Seth Bariga emphasized that the IDPs are advised against visiting their homes and farms within the PDZ for the time being, following the continuous degassing of Mt. Kanlaon as reported by Phivolcs. Bariga noted that ash emissions from the volcano have become more frequent over the past few days. However, authorities have not yet issued an evacuation advisory for those living within the 6-kilometer extended PDZ.
Currently, 12 families, consisting of 45 individuals, are residing at the Canlaon Volcanic Camp 11 in Barangay Masulog, while four families, comprising 21 individuals, are housed at Camp 20 in Barangay Pula. Although the city usually allows these IDPs a window from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to tend to their agricultural lands and homes within the 4-kilometer PDZ, that access is restricted during periods of heightened activity.
Alert Level 2 remains hoisted over Mt. Kanlaon. The city government continues to monitor degassing activities and remains prepared with logistics and staff to respond promptly should an eruption require a wider evacuation.
