92 families evacuated due to Kanlaon Volcano unrest

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY — A total of 92 families, or 301 individuals, were evacuated from high-risk areas in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, due to increased unrest at Kanlaon volcano.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, evacuees included 78 families (217 individuals) in Barangay Masulog, three families (13 individuals) in Barangay Pula, 20 families (55 individuals) in Barangay Malaiba, and two families (nine individuals) in Barangay Lumapao.

Mayor Jose Cardenas ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) on Tuesday.

Cardenas also suspended classes at all levels, from preschool to college, in both public and private schools in Canlaon City starting Sept. 11.

The suspension will remain in effect until further notice due to ongoing volcanic earthquakes and excessive sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

Cardenas stated in Executive Order No. 65 that the city will coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) to discuss alternative learning methods to minimize educational disruptions.

He urged school administrators to prioritize the safety of their facilities and prepare for potential emergencies.

Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) members, city and barangay officials, government employees, and relevant agencies were instructed to stay vigilant and be ready to respond as needed.

“I humbly ask everyone to remain calm but vigilant amid the ongoing activity of Mt. Kanlaon,” Cardenas said in a Facebook post, assuring residents that the local government is prepared for a possible eruption.

“Let’s keep ourselves informed and follow safety protocols,” he added, asking the public to pray for protection.

Meanwhile, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson urged residents in Negros Occidental, especially those within the PDZ, to stay alert as the volcano’s activity increases.

“It is showing signs that it could erupt. Right now, we’re still on Alert Level 2. I believe no one is currently living within the PDZ,” Lacson said in a media interview on Tuesday.

He expressed hope that the situation improves and acknowledged the difficulties local government units (LGUs) face if forced evacuations are imposed again. He also assured provincial government support if evacuations are necessary.

In La Carlota City, Mayor Rex Jalando-on suspended classes yesterday in all schools in Barangays Ara-al, Haguimit, San Miguel, and Yubo due to elevated SO2 emissions from Kanlaon volcano.

Affected schools include Miguel S. Mondia Elementary School, Yubo Elementary School, Yubo National High School, San Miguel Elementary Schools I and II, San Miguel National High School, Haguimit Elementary Schools I and II, Ara-al Elementary School, and Nailab Extension in Barangay Ara-al.

The Schools Division Office of La Carlota City issued a memorandum stating that in the event of natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, the office would implement modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or other appropriate learning modalities.

These measures will ensure learning continues while prioritizing safety, effective Sept. 11.

School heads were advised to activate their School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Teams and implement a School Contingency Plan based on their specific school contexts.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), as of Sept. 10, sulfuric odors were reported in Barangay Ilijan in Bago City and in Barangays Ara-al and San Miguel in La Carlota City, as well as in Barangays Masulog, Linothangan, and Pula in Canlaon City.

A total of 337 volcanic earthquakes and 9,985 tonnes of SO2 emissions, the highest on record since instrumental gas monitoring began, have been reported.

Kanlaon has been emitting elevated levels of volcanic SO2 this year, averaging 1,273 tonnes per day before its June 3 eruption.

However, since then, emissions have spiked to an average of 3,468 tonnes per day, Phivolcs reported.

Jalando-on said some volcanic quakes were felt in Barangays Ara-al and Yubo, but no ashfall was recorded by the rescue team. A slight smell of sulfur was also observed.

The mayor advised residents to stay indoors and wear face masks, preferably N95, or use a clean cloth to cover their noses if masks are unavailable.

He urged vigilance, preparedness, and monitoring of news updates regarding the volcano’s status.

Classes in both public and private schools in La Castellana were also suspended yesterday. Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan issued Executive Order No. 2024-033 on Tuesday night, encouraging all schools to shift to online, modular, or alternative learning modalities to protect students and staff.

The municipal government canceled classes on Tuesday as well. The town was heavily affected by the June 3 eruption, which displaced thousands of residents due to mudflows.