The government is prepared for the worst case scenario following the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said on Wednesday.

Alejandro said evacuation centers are being readied in case the alert level is further raised. Current alert level is 3.

At Alert Level 4, the number of people to be evacuated will increase by 10,000, the official explained.

“Mayroon na tayong worst case scenario planning. At pinapa-ready na natin ‘yung mga evacuation centers na kailangan kasi kapag nagkaroon ng elevation ng Alert Level, kahit sa Alert Level 4 lang, madadagdagan ng sampung-libong tao. From 54,000 magiging 64,000 iyong kailangan ilikas,” he said.

Alejandro urged local government units (LGUs) to develop a proper evacuation system and ensure that family food packs and water facilities are made available for evacuees.

“So kailangan naka-ready na ang family food packs, evacuation center, wash facilities, tubig, [at] liguan. Kailangan talaga magkaroon na ng proper planning doon sa local government at iyong sustainability doon sa mga evacuation centers,” Alejandro said.