• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Restiveness of Kanlaon Volcano continues, as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded four ash eruptions on Monday.
The series of four eruptions, starting at 5:57 a.m. of April 1, generated grayish plumes that rose about 500 meters above the crater before drifting southwest.
On Saturday, a 3.3 hour long ash emission was logged at Kanlaon Volcano, generating voluminous ash plumes as high as 1,500 meters from the summit crater, according to PHIVOLCS.
In an advisory, Phivolcs said ashfall was reported in Sitio Guintubdan and Barangay Araal proper in La Carlota City.
The Office of Civil Defense urged residents of La Carlota City, Bago City, and other nearby towns to expect ashfall.
Alert Level 3 has been raised over Mount Kanlaon since its eruption on December 9 last year.
As of midnight of March 31, PHIVOLCS recorded 23 volcanic quakes, including a volcanic tremor which lasted seven minutes, and sulfur dioxide flux of 2,758 tonnes.
According to reports of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, a total of 7,900 families, or 24,891 individuals have been affected by the volcanic activity. Among those, 1,766 families composed of 5,657 individuals remain in 14 evacuation centers, while 2,553 families, or 8,302 persons, have been staying with their relatives, as of March 28.
The DSWD also reported that it has provided P106 million in assistance to help support the displaced families, and ensure their immediate needs are met.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has disclosed that affected local government units, particularly La Castellana and La Carlota City, are requesting additional funds from the national government.
Malacañang earlier released P50 million to Negros Occidental, that is being used to feed the evacuees and for the purchase and development of permanent evacuation sites for affected residents.*
