Over 4,000 evacuees from areas outside the 6-kilometer danger zone of Mount Kanlaon are expected to return home today, December 8,following a decision made at a meeting between Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the mayors of Bago City, La Carlota City, and La Castellana on Tuesday.
It was decided that those residing outside the 6-kilometer expanded danger zone will be allowed to return, while mandatory evacuation remains in place for those residing within the expanded danger zone.
A total of 8,732 individuals were evacuated from La Castellana, Bago City, and La Carlota City following the December 9 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
Despite the return of some evacuees, the threat of volcanic activity remains. Alert Level 3 remains in effect, indicating that a hazardous eruption is still possible. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local officials.
Community kitchens will also continue to operate for remaining evacuees, with local governments providing food supplies. The provincial government will resume the delivery of raw materials for food preparation once funds from the Office of the President are received.
At the meeting it the governor and the mayors also tackled the permanent relocation site for evacuees who were residing within the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone. At least 36 affected families from La Castellana is expected to be relocated to a 4-hectare government-owned property in Barangay Manghanoy. The provincial government will provide building materials for these families.
Mayor Rex Jalandoon of La Carlota City also emphasized the need for permanent relocation for approximately 1,300 residents from remote areas, citing the difficulty of evacuating these communities during future eruptions.
