• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Farmers may now enter the 6-kilometer extended danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano to carry out farming and other essential activities.
This follows the Regional Task Force Kanlaon (RTF-Kanlaon) having lifted the prohibition of entry into the danger zone during the window period from 6am to 4pm, effective May 31.
In an advisory issued June 1, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology logged 10 volcanic quakes, and recorded the sulfur dioxide flux of 809 tons with a plume 750 meters tall, on May 31, with weak emissions.
RTF-Kanlaon head Raul Fernandez, however, reiterated his advice for local disaster councils of the affected local government units to strictly monitor the situation, and carry out appropriate preemptive measures as necessary, since Alert Level 3, which is a state of intensified unrest, remains in effect.
Last week, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) suspended the 10-hour daily window that allows evacuees to return inside the danger zone to carry out farming and other livelihood activities, amid fears of another eruption and the threat of lahar flow.
PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol disclosed earlier that no one should be allowed within the 6-km extended danger zone, as the threat of an eruption remains. He, however, said that the implementation of their recommendations lie with the concerned LGUs and their respective disaster councils.
More than 5,000 families are still occupying evacuation centers in Negros Island due to the Kanlaon eruptions.*
