• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR. / THERESA MAE DULMAN
A minor explosive eruption occurred at the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano yesterday evening that lasted three minutes, from 8:05 to 8:08 p.m.
The activity, confirmed by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, which reported that the eruption generated a 2,000-meter plume that drifted northeast.
Pyroclastic density currents were observed descending the southern upper slopes, reaching within one kilometer of the summit crater.
Alert Level 2 is currently maintained over the volcano, indicating a period of heightened unrest.
Communities from the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone remain in evacuation centers.
Ashfall and sulfuric smell were reported in several areas of Bago City, Negros Occidental. This includes the Barangays of Mailum, Ilijan, Ma-ao, Bacong, and Abuanan.
In La Castellana, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Incident Commander Remuel Lajo reported that minor ashfall was felt at the upland areas of Barangay Sag-ang while sulfuric smell was experienced in Barangay Cabagnaan.
Evacuation centers were readied by the authorities in La Carlota City, to cater to evacuees affected by the eruption, as ashfall was also reported in Barangays Ara-al and Guintubdan.
Barangay Zamora in the town of Pontevedra also reported light ashfalls while Barangay Minoyan in Murcia town reported the odor of sulfur.
Meanwhile, in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas placed all the rescue units and concerned agencies in his city on full alert status. All barangay rescue units were ready to rescue individuals that might be affected by the ashfall.
POLICE ON READY
Following the minor explosion of the volcano, the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), has ordered all concerned units to heighten readiness and implement immediate safety measures.
All units were directed to account for their personnel and ensure their safety and that of their families.
Field commanders are to check the structural integrity of affected stations and the operational readiness of vehicles, power supply, and communication equipment.*
