THE Office of Civil Defense said that they are expecting some 54,000 individuals or more than 12,000 families that will be directly affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.

This is estimated in Western and Central Visayas.

According to the agency, evacuations are currently ongoing, especially those within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano.

“In Region 6, approximately 20,000 individuals from 12 barangays are expected to be impacted by the eruption. Authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenario of raising the alert level to Level 4 if necessary, which would necessitate further evacuation and safety measures,” the agency said.

Located in Canlaon, Negros Oriental, the volcano erupted at 3:03 p.m.

It produced a plume of ashes and black clouds rising to as much as 4,000 meters or 4 kilometers and drifted west-southwest.

The incident prompted PHIVOLCS to raise the status to Alert Level 3, which indicates magmatic unrest.

“Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has issued important directives to respond and assist immediately, particularly in evacuating affected residents to avoid casualties,” the OCD added. “Regional directors from the OCD in Regions 6 and 7 are actively engaged in these critical efforts.”

In an interview over government station PTV Ulat Bayan, DOH Spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo asked residents to wear face masks.

This is to prevent respiratory diseases from sulfur dioxide. 

The ashes can also affect people with lung problems and skin problems.