Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is urging residents living near Kanlaon Volcano to remain vigilant and cooperate with evacuation orders should the need arise.
The governor reiterated his call for cooperation after the volcano continues to exhibit signs of unrest, with intermittent ash emissions since Saturday, November 2.
Lacson reemphasized the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity, urging everyone to be prepared for any eventuality.
“We cannot predict exactly when an eruption might occur, just like an earthquake. So, I hope that when the time comes to evacuate, everyone will cooperate,” he said.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental has activated its emergency response protocols and is closely monitoring the situation. However, even experts are unable to definitively predict whether an eruption will occur, despite the clear volcanic signs.
“We can only hope that the volcano will remain stable. Our priority is to ensure that the four-kilometer danger zone is completely evacuated,” Lacson added.
Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, the provincial health officer, has advised residents to wear masks or use clean cloths to protect themselves from the ashfall and sulfur dioxide emissions. While there has been no significant increase in respiratory illnesses reported so far, the health department remains vigilant and ready to provide necessary assistance.
