AT LEAST 2,800 people have moved to evacuation centers due to the threat of lahar, ash, and gases, following the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental, central Philippines. 

Residents of four barangays living within three meters from the river downstream of the volcano were ordered by the local government to evacuate, after Mt. Kanlaon exploded for six minutes on Monday night, sending volcanic plume, ricks, and gasses five km in the sky. 

Tourism sites in Canlaon City were closed while several flights to and from Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental province, and Iloilo, were canceled. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level from 1 to 2, warning that more explosive eruptions may occur. 

The volcano’s increased unrest is caused by shallow magmatic processes, which can eventually lead to further explosive eruptions in the future.

Robert Araneta of Negros Occidental provincial disaster agency told AFP news agency that the smoke has dissipated. 

“We’re not seeing any threatening activities from the volcano. Some municipalities can still smell the sulphur.” 

Since Monday midnight, there have been 43 volcanic earthquakes that occurred, based on information from Phivolcs on Tuesday morning.

In response to the alert level 2, Negros Oriental Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria activated the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Cluster.

The provision of emergency services and public assistance during and after the disaster was discussed among officials at the Capitol. 

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) has placed the province of Negros Occidental under “Blue Alert.”

“The response clusters, including Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Food and Non-Food, Logistics, Search, Rescue and Retrieval, Health, and Law and Order, have been activated to handle the emergency situation,” said Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Villarreal Lacson.

“For those in areas that might need evacuation, please follow evacuation orders. To all those affected, please coordinate with your barangays and LGUs, and stay informed through official channels. With proper coordination and information, we will be able to manage this situation,” he added.

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