897 Kanlaon evacuees return home

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — After staying in evacuation centers for almost six months, 254 families composed of 897 people displaced by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano were allowed to return home yesterday in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

Those allowed to go home are residents of Sitios Nailab, Tinin-awan, Gama and Mansibanga in Barangay Ara-al; Sitio Jamindang in Barangay Haguimit, and Sitios Labinsawan, Bais, and Batacon in Barangay Yubo, which are located outside the six-kilometer extended danger zone of Kanlaon.

The families had been staying in the city evacuation center, La Carlota South Elementary School, La Carlota North Elementary School and La Carlota City College-Cubay Campus since the volcano erupted on Dec. 9.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the Department of Education informed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council that classrooms being occupied by the evacuees are needed for the opening of classes on Monday.

Sixty-four families composed of 232 residents of Sitio Guintubdan in Barangay Ara-al were not yet allowed to return home as their village is located within the six-kilometer danger zone, Lacson said.