At least 110,000 residents within the 10-kilometer danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano must be swiftly evacuated should Alert Level 4 be raised, Office of the Civil Defense Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno stated this on Wednesday, January 15.
Nepomuceno, along with other OCD officials, met with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan at the Governor’s Office in Bacolod City to discuss contingency measures including the mobilization of trucks for mass transportation and the potential use of airlifting if necessary.
The OCD administrator emphasized the critical importance of preparedness for the potential evacuation of 110,000 residents, stating, “Saving lives is no joke. This presents a significant logistical challenge, but it is achievable with proper planning and preparation.”
He stressed the need for meticulous attention to detail, warning that a lack of preparedness could lead to a logistical nightmare.
Nepomuceno emphasized that his visit to Negros aimed to assess the situation firsthand and provide accurate reports to the President.
As part of the preparations, tent cities are underway for displaced residents, along with the provision of food and essential supplies. The national government has pledged assistance, including financial aid.
Raul Fernandez, OCD Region 6 Director and Task Force Kanlaon Chairman, reported that 1,350 tents have already been delivered to Negros. Preparations for a model tent city in Himamaylan are underway, with 395 tents already delivered to the city, with the aim of increasing this number to 500.
Additional tent cities are being considered in Talisay, Silay, and Kabankalan in Negros Occidental, as well as at the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City. In Negros Oriental, tent cities for Canlaon City evacuees will be established in Vallermoso and Guihulngan City.
Currently, 10,031 displaced persons are residing in 23 evacuation centers in La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental. An additional 7,576 residents are staying outside of evacuation centers.
