Ashfall Affects Three Bago Villages After Kanlaon Emissions

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Three barangays in Bago City, Negros Occidental experienced light ashfall following two ash emissions from Kanlaon Volcano on Monday.

Ryan Valero, operations and warning officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said ashfall was reported in Barangays Ilijan, Mailum and Binubuhan.

With the volcano’s ongoing seismic activity, Valero said ashfall in these villages is typical when winds shift toward the west-northwest.

He reminded residents to wear face masks and stay indoors as precautionary measures against volcanic hazards.

As a result of the ashfall, La Carlota City College shifted to online and modular classes until Wednesday, April 17.

Students from both the Main and Cubay campuses were instructed to return home immediately.

Despite the emissions, Canlaon City in Negros Oriental reported no disruptions.

City Public Information Officer Edna Lhou Masicampo said recognition and moving-up ceremonies pushed through as scheduled.

She added that the situation remained under control.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the first ash emission occurred at 11:52 a.m. and lasted until 2:12 p.m., sending a thick plume 800 meters above the summit.

A second emission followed at 2:53 p.m., with ash rising 600 meters.

The ash drifted west-northwest, potentially affecting La Carlota City, Bago City and nearby areas.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating heightened volcanic unrest and the possibility of hazardous eruptions.

The volcano last erupted on April 8, following previous eruptions on June 3 and Dec. 9, 2024.

Thousands of evacuees remain in shelters in La Castellana, La Carlota City and Canlaon City.

Meanwhile, the Regional Task Force Kanlaon has enforced a strict ban on pilgrimages and trekking within the extended six-kilometer danger zone, particularly during Holy Week.

All local disaster risk reduction and management offices have been ordered to activate their Incident Management Teams and maintain high alert status for rapid response.

Negros Occidental Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, in a video message, thanked those who assisted local governments affected by the recent eruption.

He asked for continued prayers for the evacuees, frontliners and for the volcano to subside.