Kanlaon magmatic eruption possible, triggers evacuation

By Glazyl Y. Masculino and Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Kanlaon Volcano’s activity continues to increase, and a magmatic eruption is possible if unrest escalates, according to Mari Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory.

Quintia informed reporters Thursday that 79 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, while sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions were measured at 11,556 tons per day.

“The activity level has remained high, and we are advising the public to prepare,” Quintia said. “If the trend continues and intensifies, we may raise the alert level to 3, and a magmatic eruption may be possible.”

Residents within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) have been urged to evacuate as a precaution. Quintia explained that a magmatic eruption involves magma—hot molten rock from beneath the volcano—and can result in a lava flow. Magmatic eruptions are more dangerous than phreatic eruptions, which are steam-driven and do not involve magma.

“A magmatic eruption is more lethal and affects a larger area. Ashfall could impact a wide region,” she said. “As of now, the danger zone is within 4 kilometers, but if we raise the alert level to 3, the danger zone may extend to 6 kilometers.”

Communities within the PDZ remain on alert as the observatory continues to monitor volcanic earthquakes, SO2 emissions, and ground deformation, key indicators of potential eruptions.

“If there is a sudden increase in these parameters, it could signal an impending eruption,” Quintia added.

Evacuation, liquor ban

The number of evacuees from four villages in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, has risen to 423 individuals, or 145 families, as of 11 a.m. yesterday due to the eruption threat from Kanlaon Volcano.

The city government’s latest count includes three families, or 13 individuals, from Barangay Pula, 89 families, or 254 individuals, from Barangay Masulog, 49 families, or 141 individuals, from Barangay Malaiba, and four families, or 15 individuals, from Barangay Lumapao.

Essential supplies such as drinking water, N95 face masks, food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, kitchen kits, and family kits have been distributed to affected residents. The City Health Office (CHO) is overseeing protocols to ensure the safety of drinking water amid potential contamination.

On Tuesday, Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the volcano’s increasing activity. Despite this, some families in Barangay Masulog opted to return home after signing waivers, despite warnings about the risks.

Cardenas assured that the local government is prepared to assist with immediate evacuation if conditions worsen. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguard every resident and urge everyone to adhere to safety guidelines and stay informed through official advisories. Together, we will navigate this challenge with resilience,” Cardenas said.

During a meeting of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) on Wednesday, it was approved that a cash grant of P500 will be given to each evacuee aged 18 and above. The city government also ensures that disaster response personnel’s operational needs are fully covered, allowing barangay funds to be reserved exclusively for local disaster operations.

Curfew and Liquor Ban Imposed

In response to the increased activity of Kanlaon Volcano, Canlaon City implemented a liquor ban and a curfew for minors, effective Sept. 12. Executive Order No. 67, issued by Cardenas, prohibits minors from being in public areas after 10 p.m. unless accompanied by a guardian or in an emergency. A 10 p.m. curfew has also been enforced at evacuation centers to ensure the safety and security of evacuees.

Cardenas also mandated that all business establishments within the city close by 10 p.m. to comply with curfew regulations. The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places or gatherings were also prohibited to minimize health risks and ensure public safety.

Mandatory Face Masks

The local government has imposed mandatory face mask use in public due to elevated sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels. Cardenas cited in the executive order that SO2 emissions from Mt. Kanlaon reached 11,558 tons per day as of Sept. 11, posing significant health risks, particularly respiratory issues.

The public is advised to wear face masks at all times when outdoors, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic or poor ventilation. Residents are also encouraged to stay indoors, keeping windows and doors closed to prevent exposure to sulfur dioxide.

Regular inspections and monitoring will be conducted to ensure compliance with mask mandates and curfew regulations, Cardenas said.

Temporary Closure of Tourist Sites

Tourist attractions in the affected barangays, including Kanlaon Inland Resort, Padudusan Falls, Bao-Bao Viewing Deck, Quipot Falls, and Mount Kanlaon National Park, were temporarily closed starting Sept. 11. Executive Order No. 66 suspends all tourism-related activities such as guided tours and outdoor excursions to prioritize public safety.

Access to the four-kilometer PDZ is strictly prohibited to all, including tourists, hikers, and visitors. Violators will face penalties under existing laws and regulations. Cardenas stressed that the restrictions are necessary to prevent potential harm as the volcano’s seismic activity may lead to an eruption.

The executive order will remain in effect until the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) deems the area safe for public access. Phivolcs released a Kanlaon Volcano lava flow hazard map on Wednesday, identifying areas in Negros Occidental, including parts of Moises Padilla, Bago City, La Carlota City, and La Castellana, that may be affected in the event of a magmatic eruption.

Classes at all levels in Canlaon City have been suspended since Sept. 11.

Class Suspensions in La Carlota

In La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Mayor Rex Jalando-on extended the suspension of classes in four barangays due to elevated sulfur dioxide emissions from Kanlaon. The suspension affects schools in Barangays Ara-al, Haguimit, San Miguel, and Yubo.

According to Phivolcs’ Sept. 12 advisory, 79 volcanic earthquakes and 11,556 tons of SO2 emissions have been recorded, with Kanlaon Volcano remaining under Alert Level 2. The alert level may be raised if seismic activity continues to intensify.