Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has confirmed the presence of ashfall in the area following increased volcanic activity recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) at Mount Kanlaon in Negros.
Residents have likewise reported tremors felt up to a kilometer from the volcano’s crater, raising concerns over a potential eruption.
“Based on experience and scientific explanations regarding volcanic eruptions, once the depth of the tremors reaches three kilometers, it could indicate an impending eruption,” Cardenas said.
Apart from ashfall and tremors, nearby barangays in Canlaon City have also experienced a strong odor of sulfur, prompting local authorities to distribute face masks to prevent respiratory illnesses among residents.
Evacuations are underway in the barangays of Lumapao, Linothangan, Masulog, Malaiba, and Pula, all within the four-kilometer danger zone radius. So far, 103 families have been relocated to safer areas.
The Canlaon City Government has also distributed food assistance to those impacted by the ashfall. Equipment and three rescue vehicles have been pre-positioned in nearby barangays to facilitate swift evacuations if conditions worsen. Classes also remain suspended until further notice.
The ashfall has already affected between 50 to 100 hectares of vegetable crops in Canlaon City. “There are no reported damages to houses, but agricultural losses are significant,” Cardenas said.
The city government has since assured the public that resources and equipment are ready if the situation escalates. However, Cardenas expressed concern that a volcanic eruption could deplete their food and non-food supplies.
Additional rescue vehicles from the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental have been deployed to assist in the swift evacuation of affected individuals. Inspection teams from the Negros Oriental Provincial Government have also been dispatched to assess the damage and determine the city’s needs.
Canlaon City remains in a state of calamity following a previous eruption on June 3. The local government is currently preparing comprehensive data on the impact of Kanlaon Volcano’s activity to facilitate further assistance.
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