• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Kanlaon volcano spewed ash twice on Monday, with the plume reaching as high as 70 meters, according to resident volcanologist Mary Andylene Quintia.
A small dark ash cloud was observed rising from the volcano’s crater, as reported by the Canlaon City government, through its social media page.
“The emergency siren has been activated, signaling the need to prepare for a possible volcanic eruption,” it added.
As of December 16, a total of 1,619 families, composed of 5,229 individuals, have been accommodated across eight evacuation camps in Canlaon City, with 34 families, comprising 100 individuals, choosing to stay outside of the evacuation centers.
In the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded 12 volcanic quakes and reported the emission of 6,535 tons of sulfur dioxide from its crater.
Alert Level 3 is still hoisted over Kanlaon volcano, with the possible hazards including sudden explosive eruption, lava flow, ashfall, pyroclastic density current, rockfall, and lahar during heavy rains, according to PHIVOLCS.
In compliance with the memorandum issued by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Task Force Kanlaon, Mayor Rex Jalandoon ordered the police, Philippine Army and barangay officials to clear all human activity in Sitios Bais, Batacon, and Labinsawan in Barangay Yubo, as well as Sitio Guintubdan in Barangay Ara-al, all in La Carlota City.
While the forced evacuation remains in effect, Jalandoon said that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are conducting essential activities within the 6 kilometer Permanent Danger Zone are allowed to enter or exit the area from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The measures are part of ongoing efforts to protect residents and minimize risks related to volcanic activity, he added.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz Jr. disclosed that the provincial government of Negros Occidental continues to send assistance to areas affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
Diaz said that 500 containers of drinking water were sent yesterday to the evacuation centers and the incident command post, along with 260 kilos of meat for use in the community kitchens.
Food packs and ready to eat meals were also delivered, he added.
On the other hand, the Environmental Management Bureau in Western Visayas (EMB-6) has reported that the air quality near Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental remains within the “fair to good” index as of Dec. 14, 2024, ensuring the safety of most residents.
Cliff Jefferson Escobar of the EMB-6 said Monday that five monitoring stations have been established following the Dec. 9 eruption.
These include regular sites in Barangays Ara-al in La Carlota City and Robles in La Castellana, as well as temporary stations at evacuation centers in La Castellana Elementary School, Barangay Balingasag Sports Complex in Bago City, and Barangay Cubay in La Carlota.* with PNA reports
