Mandatory evacuation ordered in Kanlaon

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines, December 17 ------ Mandatory evacuation is ongoing for remaining residents living within the six-kilometer-radius expanded danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island. The Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas ordered people living within the danger zones in La Castellana and San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental to immediately evacuate and follow the orders of authorities.

The Philippine National Police said it would draft a plan for the enforcement of the “no human activity inside the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone” policy, while concerned government agencies will present their evacuation plans. In Negros Occidental, there are 33,806 people living within the danger zone, according to the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council.

Irene Bel Ploteña, chief of the provincial disaster management program division, said the number of people staying in evacuation centers in Negros Occidental dropped from 14,922 to 10,864 on Friday after several families returned home. In Canlaon City, up to 7,000 people were displaced following an explosive eruption on Monday.

The city government of Canlaon said it requested assistance and fund augmentation from Malacañang, noting the city’s assistance for displaced residents is good for three to four days only. The volcanic eruption affected up to 26,000 farm animals and pets, according to Negros Occidental chief veterinarian Placeda Lemana. Lemana said the animals were affected by ashfall and stench of sulfur.

Source: philstar.com