Authorities are looking into expanding the areas covered by the mandatory evacuation near Kanlaon Volcano, especially since a tropical cyclone could develop next week.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Kanlaon Volcano has emitted 4,000 tons of sulfur dioxide per day since its explosive eruption on Monday, December 9.

Phivolcs also logged 30 volcanic earthquakes in the last 24 hours.

However, state volcanologists said it is too early to detect if Kanlaon’s activity should be raised to Alert Level 4, which means the volcano can erupt at any moment.

“We will assess this on a day-to-day basis, but again, Alert Level 3, ibig sabihin niyan hazardous eruption is possible within the next few weeks. Of course, we will have to evaluate this one. Titignan natin kung mag-e-escalate pa further,” Phivolcs chief Teresito Bacolcol said.

Mandatory evacuation is strictly implemented within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

“The [local government units] should urge the public to prepare for possible alerts. Step up to Alert Level 4 should the activity persist or worsen. So dapat ‘yung mindset natin, hindi natin iisipin na the Alert Level will be lowered, but we should prepare as if the alert level will go up,” Bacolcol said.

Authorities are also looking into expanding the areas covered by the mandatory evacuation since there is also the threat of ash fall and the possibility of another tropical cyclone entering the Philippine area of responsibility next week.

“We are already doing a worst-case scenario plan wherein umaabot na ‘yung ating planning ng hanggang 10 kilometers. Pagdating kasi sa worst-case scenario na nasa 10 kilometers na ‘yung extended PDC [pyroclastic density current], umaabot na sa halos 139,000 individuals ‘yung kailangang ilikas. That will require additional evacuation centers, require additional food assistance and the like,” said Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it is prepared to accommodate all the evacuees.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said it has delivered medicines, N95 masks and nutritional commodities to the affected communities.

The Department of Tourism also suspended tourism activities such as trekking, swimming and farm site visits in vacation sports in La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, and Murcia in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental. (GMA Integrated News)