MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) anticipates a fresh surge in evacuees from Kanlaon Volcano following its explosive eruption at 5:51 a.m. on Tuesday, prompting renewed government efforts to bolster relief operations across Negros Island.
“But we are ready,” declared DSWD secretary Rex Gatchalian, as he assured the public of ample prepositioned resources and swift coordination with local government units (LGUs).
Also known as Mount Kanlaon, the Kanlaon Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. Straddling the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, it towers at 2,465 meters (8,087 feet) above sea level, making it the highest peak in the Visayas region.
Gatchalian said the national government stands ready to augment the needs of affected LGUs and provide assistance to displaced residents, many of whom have remained in evacuation centers since the volcano was placed under Alert Level 3 in December 2024.
Currently, more than 250,000 family food packs (FFPs) are stockpiled in DSWD warehouses in Western and Central Visayas. Of these, over 100,000 are stored within Negros Island alone. Nationwide, the agency has over 2.5 million boxes of FFPs in reserve.
Classified as a stratovolcano, Kanlaon features a broad cone and a deep, active crater. Its summit includes the Active Crater and the Margaja Valley, a caldera-like depression. The volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and poses significant risk due to its proximity to populated communities.
“Our field offices are in close coordination with affected LGUs to receive real-time updates on evacuees and their urgent needs,” Gatchalian said.
Apart from food packs, DSWD has P865.4 million worth of non-food relief items such as hygiene kits, sleeping kits, kitchen kits, laminated sacks, and more.
Gatchalian urged residents to prioritize safety while assuring them that government support is on the way.
“We will pool all available resources not just to ensure survival but also to ease their discomfort in evacuation centers,” he added.
Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro echoed the assurance, stating in a Palace briefing that the national government is closely monitoring the situation.
“We are assessing the needs of LGUs and assistance will be delivered immediately,” she said.
Historically, Kanlaon has erupted numerous times, with recorded eruptions dating back to 1866. Most of these are phreatic or steam-driven, but the volcano has the potential for more explosive activity.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that this latest eruption was the third since June 3, 2024.
Hundreds of families are currently sheltering in evacuation centers.
One of Kanlaon’s more notable recent eruptions occurred in August 1996, when a sudden phreatic blast tragically killed three climbers.
With its complex topography, frequent seismic activity, and history of explosive eruptions, Kanlaon is closely monitored by Phivolcs. The current Alert Level 3 indicates increased volcanic activity and the possibility of more dangerous eruptions./PN
