The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday announced plans to expand the permanent danger zone around Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island from six to 10 kilometers due to increased risks of lahar flows triggered by a low pressure area (LPA) off Mindanao.

Raul Fernandez, OCD Western Visayas director and Kanlaon Task Force chairman, said the precautionary measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and evacuees as volcanic activity persists.

“We are prioritizing the safety of affected communities and implementing necessary measures to address evolving risks,” he said.

Fernandez added that they also plan to move evacuation centers inside the expanded area, at least outside of a 14-kilometer radius.

Currently, 29 evacuation centers have been established on the island of Negros, as well as 10 family tents in the town of La Carlota. The evacuation efforts were very effective, achieving an evacuation rate of 99.17 percent, encompassing 5,772 families or 18,475 individuals.

Despite the success of the evacuation, Fernandez stressed the need to continue supporting displaced families.

“There are enough food and non-food items for the evacuees, thanks to the efforts and donations of the government. However, as residents may remain in evacuation centers until after the New Year, we are calling for more diverse food options and recreational and educational materials for children. ” he said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned of a significant possibility of an explosive eruption based on ongoing volcanic activity, including frequent volcanic earthquakes.

On December 9, Phivolcs raised alert level 3 on Kanlaon after an explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent at 3:03 p.m.

The eruption produced a large plume that rose to 9,800 feet and drifted west-southwest, with a pyroclastic flow running down the southeast side of the volcano. Ashfall affected areas as far as Panay and Guimaras, disrupting agriculture and daily activities.

To manage the situation and balance security and livelihood concerns, local authorities issued special passes allowing evacuees to temporarily return home to tend to their properties and livestock.

“While ensuring the safety of residents, we understand their need to care for their properties and animals. Camp passes allow designated family members to check out their homes and perform essential tasks, like feeding livestock or maintaining the farm, within 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” Fernandez said.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with Task Force Kanlaon in coordination with Phivolcs, local government units and humanitarian organizations.

Donations and support have poured in, but OCD reiterated its call for additional resources to support long-term relief efforts. In particular, there is a growing need for medical supplies, psychosocial support for evacuees and equipment to keep evacuation centers clean and safe.

Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and heed all warnings from authorities. Phivolcs also advised against venturing into the extended danger zone, citing the risks of sudden eruptions, lahar flows and pyroclastic density currents.

As the LPA continues to influence weather conditions, the risk of heavy rain exacerbating volcanic hazards remains high. Task Force Kanlaon urges communities to fully cooperate with evacuation measures and remain informed through official channels.

“Our priority remains the safety and well-being of everyone involved. We will continue to provide updates and ensure all necessary measures are in place to mitigate risks,” Fernandez said.