The eruption of Mount Kanlaon in the central Philippines has prompted a massive response from the government as over 45,000 residents from surrounding villages have been evacuated. Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos announced on Friday that the government is focusing on relocating approximately 84,000 villagers within the six-kilometer danger zone from the active volcano. This evacuation effort comes after a significant eruption on Monday afternoon, which led to a “voluminous plume” of ash rising more than 4,000 meters into the sky.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has been closely monitoring the activity at Mount Kanlaon, warning that more explosive eruptions could follow. The plume from the volcano not only blanketed nearby communities with ash but also contaminated drinking water sources, exacerbating the challenges for those living in the vicinity. The situation has prompted the government to ramp up its response efforts to protect the residents and ensure their safety.
President Marcos emphasized the government’s preparedness to assist residents affected by the eruption, stating, “We will step up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response.” The government’s priority remains to relocate residents from the danger zone, where the risk of more explosive volcanic activity is high. Many evacuees have been sheltered in makeshift centers such as schools, which have been converted into temporary shelters to provide basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. These centers not only offer a safe haven from the ash and volcanic fumes but also ensure that displaced families have access to the essentials needed for daily life.
The central location of Mount Kanlaon, which straddles the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental on the island of Negros, makes it a crucial point of concern for national disaster response. The recent eruption marks a significant escalation in volcanic activity, underscoring the need for a well-coordinated response to protect residents in the affected areas. PHIVOLCS has warned that the volcanic unrest could persist, advising residents, even those outside the immediate danger zone, to remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuation.
Marcos has been vocal in his appeal to residents, urging those reluctant to leave their homes and farms to heed evacuation orders and move to safety. He acknowledged the difficulty of relocation, especially when livelihoods are at stake, but stressed that the risk posed by the volcano requires immediate action. “Our priority is the safety of every resident within the danger zone,” said Marcos. “We urge everyone to leave their homes and seek refuge in these evacuation centers. This is for their safety and the safety of their families.”
The government’s response includes providing logistical support, such as transportation for evacuees, setting up makeshift shelters, and delivering food and water supplies. In some cases, communities have had to rely on military support to transport people and resources due to the volcanic ash covering roads and making travel difficult. The support from the military and other agencies has been crucial in ensuring that the evacuation process is as smooth and organized as possible.
Mount Kanlaon’s eruption serves as a reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly volcanic activity. As one of the country’s 24 active volcanoes, Kanlaon’s periodic eruptions are a natural part of the landscape. However, the recent activity highlights the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness to mitigate the risks associated with such eruptions. The government, together with international partners, is committed to rebuilding lives and infrastructure in the affected areas once the immediate danger has passed.
As the evacuation efforts continue, the focus remains on the well-being of the displaced residents and their return to normalcy. The recovery process will involve assessing the damage to homes, infrastructure, and the environment, followed by rebuilding efforts to restore communities. The ongoing assistance from the government and local agencies will be vital in ensuring that affected families receive the support they need during this challenging period. In the meantime, the Philippine government is prepared to adjust its response strategy as new developments arise and more information about the volcano’s activity becomes available.
