LA CARLOTA CITY, Negros Occidental — Nearly 900 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their homes after authorities confirmed that their communities lie outside the six-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) around Kanlaon Volcano.
According to the City Information Office, 254 families — or 897 individuals — from Barangays Ara-al, Haguimit, and Yubo were allowed to decamp on June 13, following a recommendation by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC).
These families had taken shelter for over six months in evacuation centers at La Carlota City South Elementary School II, La Carlota North Elementary School, and La Carlota City College-Cubay Campus. With their departure, these facilities are now being prepared to resume face-to-face classes.
However, 64 families — or 232 individuals — whose homes are within the EDZ will remain in evacuation centers and will be transferred to the City Evacuation Center and City Gymnasium 1, where they will continue receiving government assistance.
Mayor Rex Jalando-on assured residents that safety protocols remain in place, as Alert Level 3 is still up. “The safety of our constituents remains our top priority,” he said, urging continued vigilance.
