• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported detecting eight more volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island this weekend.
In a bulletin covering the period from 12 a.m. Saturday to 12 a.m. Sunday, PHIVOLCS said Kanlaon emitted 1,611 tonnes of sulfur dioxide.
The volcano continues to release gas and occasionally emits ash, with moderate plumes reaching up to 100 meters, according to PHIVOLCS.
Alert Level 3 remains in effect at the volcano, which is under close monitoring due to the possibility of sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfall, and lahar during heavy rains.
As of February 7, the Department of Health in Negros Island Region reported that the eruption of Kanlaon volcano has affected 2,810 families composed of 8, 959 individuals, currently housed in 21 evacuation centers in Region 6 and 7.
A total of 14 evacuation centers are located in Negros Occidental, according to the data.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental also continues to feed evacuees, especially in La Castellana, through community kitchens.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson disclosed that the provincial government still has remaining budget from 2024 to finance a second round of community kitchens.
The provincial government is still awaiting for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to sign the deed of donation in the amount of P50 million, to be earmarked for food for the internally displaced persons (IDPs).*
