In response to the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano today at 3:03 PM, emergency evacuation efforts are being initiated to protect the safety of families in the surrounding areas. An emergency meeting convened this afternoon, led by Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV and attended by officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), PHIVOLCS, and other relevant agencies, has resulted in immediate actions to assist those affected.
Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has issued important directives to respond and assist immediately, particularly in evacuating affected residents to avoid casualties. Regional directors from the OCD in Regions 6 and 7 are actively engaged in these critical efforts.
The eruption produced a significant volcanic plume that reached approximately 3,000 meters above the volcano’s summit, with pyroclastic density currents observed descending the southeastern slopes. In light of these developments, PHIVOLCS has officially raised the alert level from Level 2 to Level 3, indicating a greater risk of hazardous volcanic activity.
Ongoing evacuation is being implemented for residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano, as recommended by Asec. Alejandro, who emphasized the importance of ensuring that the contingency plans for evacuation are executed effectively. It is estimated that approximately 12,000 families, or 54,000 individuals, across Regions 6 and 7 will be affected. The Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) will be reactivated and will comprise representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to coordinate response efforts effectively.
PHIVOLCS has stressed the need for precautions and will provide more detailed bulletins regarding the situation as it develops. Assistance is being requested from the Philippine Navy for floating assets to aid in evacuation and response efforts.
In Region 6, approximately 20,000 individuals from 12 barangays are expected to be impacted by the eruption. Authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenario of raising the alert level to Level 4 if necessary, which would necessitate further evacuation and safety measures.
Local authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of all residents in the affected areas, and further bulletins will be issued as more information becomes available.
