Approximately 40,000 more residents affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island have to be evacuated, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) - 6.

These residents have refused to evacuate citing the need to watch over their houses and livestock, said Dr. Raul Fernandez, OCD-6 director, in an interview with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo.

Dr. Fernandez said that forced evacuation is a must after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned of the serious condition of Kanlaon Volcano that is on high level of unrest, which could lead to possible magmatic eruption.

Kanlaon is on alert level 3 with ash from the December 9, 2024 eruption reaching areas in neoghboring Panay Island. 

OCD 6 urged residents to abide by orders on evacuation and public safety issued by local government units to avert further disastrous events.

As of posting time, over 14,000 individuals have been moved from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone to evacuation centers.