Bacolod City – As Kanlaon volcano becomes more restless, 92 families, or 301 individuals, have been evacuated in four barangays of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, where tourist attractions were closed and classes remained suspended in some local government units surrounding the volcano.
As of September 11, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) logged 337 volcanic quakes, as a result of the volcano’s ongoing activities.
PHIVOLCS reported last night that volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission from the Kanlaon summit crater now averaged 11,556 tons per day, which it considers the highest emissions recorded by instrumental gas monitoring.
It added that Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of sulfur dioxide this year, at an average rate of 1,273 tons, prior to June 3 phreatic eruption.
Sulfuric fumes were also reported in Brgys. San Miguel in La Carlota, barangays Masulog and Pula in Canlaon City, Brgy. Codcod in San Carlos City, and Brgy. Inolingan in Moises Padilla.
Ground deformation shows sustained inflation of the volcano’s edifice, signaling a potential for a larger eruption
While Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) prevails over Kanlaon, but its current activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in Alert Level, Phivolcs further said.
In his executive order dated September 11, Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas declared the temporary closure of tourist attractions located at the foot of volcano, within barangays of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
All tourism related activities, including guided tours, outdoor excursions, and eco-tourism services are also suspended, Cardenas said.
Furthermore, access to the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited to tourists, hikers, and visitors, the mayor further said, as he warned violators will be subject to penalties under existing laws.
Classes are still suspended in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and La Castellana, Negros Occidental, while preventive evacuation was ordered by Mayor Rex Jalandoon in the barangays of Araal, Yubo, San Miguel and Haguimit, all in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental due to the increased volcanic quakes.
The Canlaon City government has also prepositioned 6,800 food packs, water, medicines, essential supplies, and logistical resources, including heavy equipment and transportation. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)