10-km expanded PDZ at Kanlaon mulled; La Castellana 'exhausted'

The six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) around restive Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island may possibly be extended to 10 kilometers.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 6 has raised the possibility of mass evacuation as weather forecasts are monitored tightly.

OCD 6 said it is probable that lahar flows due to heavy rainfall may affect a wider area in the vicinity of Mount Kanlaon. In the event of lahar flows, OCD 6 will recommend the extension to 10 kilometers of the designated PDZ. 

As of this writing (Friday evening), OCD 6's consultation with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), on the recommendation is ongoing.

However, the local government unit (LGU) of La Castellana in Negros Occidental has raised concern on the possible PDZ expansion.

The LGU has admitted of depleting resources that would pose challenges in the care of additional evacuees.

"For that, sa ngayon exhausted na talaga ang LGU. Si Mayor [Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan] (nag-aalala) if ever na lilipat pa kami, mahihirapan kami," John de Asis, head of La Castellana Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said.

According to the LGU, an additional nine barangays will be affected with the proposed expanded PDZ.

One of the solutions being considered is the transfer of evacuees to Himamaylan City where there are tent cities.

Meanwhile, because of the rains, barangays within the lahar-hazard zone are monitored tightly. Fourteen of these barangays are in Bago City, three in Binalbagan, six in Hinigaran, 11 in Isabela, 15 in La Carlota City, 11 in La Castellana, 15 in Moises Padilla, nine in Murcia, six in Pontevedra, 4 in Don Salvador Benedicto, four in San Carlos City, three in San Enrique, and three in Valladolid.

As rain persists, PHIVOLCS has also monitored tightly these barangays in the lahar-hazard zone. However, the agency clarifies that the monitoring is tied to disaster preparedness and that residents need not panic.

“Ang list ng mga barangay, para (lang) sa worst-case scenarios natin. It does not mean na dahil nagpalabas tayo ng bagong map, yun na exactly ang mangyayari,” Engr. Mari Andylene Quintia, Kanlaon Volcano Observatory resident volcanologist, underscored. — GMA Regional TV News