Philippines Implements Full Evacuation Due to Potential Volcanic Activity
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Manila, Dec 15 (NationPress) The Philippines has directed local government units to ensure the complete evacuation of individuals residing within the six-km danger zone around Mount Kanlaon by Monday, as volcanic activity is on the rise.
Mount Kanlaon, which is located across the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental on the island of Negros in central Philippines, erupted on December 9, releasing a significant plume that ascended over 4,000 meters into the atmosphere, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The directive was issued by Raul Fernandez, the director of the Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas, instructing local government units from both provinces to finalize the evacuation by Monday.
This order has been prompted by increased volcanic activity, leading authorities to take urgent measures to safeguard residents from potential dangers.
Despite the looming threat of another explosive eruption, some residents have chosen to remain in the danger zone.
Residents who have yet to evacuate are being urged to adhere to the evacuation order to mitigate any risks associated with potential re-eruptions, Fernandez cautioned.
He emphasized that the government has rolled out an extensive evacuation plan aimed at preserving lives and alleviating suffering in case of a catastrophic eruption.
On Friday, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos announced that over 45,000 residents had been relocated from surrounding villages to safer locations.
The evacuation plan aims to move approximately 84,000 villagers from the danger zone.
On Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported ongoing detection of increased volcanic earthquakes and gas emissions, with indications of inflation in the volcano's structure.
The institute has cautioned that this activity could potentially lead to another dangerous eruption.
