• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Entry into the six-kilometer extended danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano remains suspended, despite a reduction in volcanic quakes, according to the Office of Civil Defense – Negros Island Region.
Donato Sermeno III, OCD regional director for NIR, disclosed on Wednesday that the sulfur dioxide emissions remained low at 789 tonnes on June 24, while the number of volcanic quakes reduced from 67 to 12, citing reports of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Farmers and residents were previously allowed to enter the danger zone from 6am to 4pm, to carry out necessary activities.
However, the privilege was suspended early this week by OCD, after the volcano showed “alarming” activities and signs of another eruption.
PHIVOLCS also noted continued ground deformation at Kanlaon Volcano, which remains on Alert Level 3.
Sermeno reported that OCD continues to put up additional tents at Cabacungan National High School in La Castellana for the remaining evacuees who are still staying in classrooms.
He said the majority of the evacuees are still staying at La Castellana Senior High School building, with the permission of the Department of Education.
Sermeno hopes that the evacuees will be able to move as soon as possible, so that classes will not be disturbed.*
