The number of evacuees from high-risk villages in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental is increasing following a forced evacuation order due to the continuing threat of the restive Mt. Kanlaon, an official said yesterday.

Edna Lhou Masicampo, Canlaon City information officer-designate, told the Philippine News Agency that residents from the five barangays within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) have left their homes and are now at two evacuation centers in the city proper.

“So far, there have been no reports of resistance from the residents of these barangays,” Masicampo said.

She added that Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas emphasized “humanitarian consideration” when evacuating them.

Barangays Pula, Masulog, Malaiba, Linothangan, and Lumapao are the critical areas at the foot of the volcano and are prioritized in the evacuation order.

Three rescue vehicles from unaffected barangays are transporting evacuees, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children, while provincial government dump trucks are used to transport their belongings.

Emergency responders and police personnel are making rounds in these barangays to assist in the evacuation while also undertaking “recorida,” or roving live public announcements calling on villagers to voluntarily leave their homes.

Masicampo said her office is consolidating reports from evacuation camp managers, with 152 families or 513 individuals already in the two centers as of 8:00 a.m. yesterday. The number is expected to rise as evacuation efforts continue.

Meanwhile, despite no current ash fall, residents in the PDZ have been advised to wear face masks due to changing wind conditions.

Laboratory tests on water supplies are also being conducted to ensure safe drinking water for evacuees. (PNA)