By CESAR JOLITO III

Internally displaced families affected by Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption in December last year have begun returning to their homes as authorities ease evacuation orders following the downgrade of the volcano’s alert level.

Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said residents from several barangays — Masulog, Pula, Malaiba, Lumapao, and parts of Linothangan — have started going back to their communities after nearly eight months in evacuation centers.

A total of 590 families, or around 1,400 individuals, were granted clearance to return.

However, 45 families or 147 individuals whose homes are located within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) remain in evacuation shelters as a safety measure.

While Kanlaon has been downgraded to Alert Level 2, local government units, including the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), continue to caution that volcanic activity has not yet normalized.

Cardenas acknowledged that some evacuees are hesitant to return, citing trauma or lack of resources.

“We are urging them to go back so they can begin rebuilding their homes, many of which were damaged during the ashfall following the eruption,” Cardenas said.

City officials are coordinating with provincial agencies to ensure the safe reintegration of returning residents and to facilitate assistance for home repairs and recovery efforts.

The local government also reiterated that entry into the PDZ remains strictly prohibited until further notice from Phivolcs./CJ, WDJ