BACOLOD CITY – A day after the third minor explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano took place on April 8, the Department of Tourism (DOT) suspended tourism activities anew in areas near the restive volcano in Negros Occidental, to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.
“All tourism activities near Mt. Kanlaon, including treks and visits to nearby destinations such as La Carlota City, Bago City, La Castellana, and other surrounding areas in Negros Occidental, have been temporarily suspended,” the DOT, said in an advisory.
DOT said it is now closely coordinating with involved local government units (LGUs) to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals affected by the April 8 explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, through monitoring and immediate response.
While all tourist accommodations and infrastructures in the affected areas are still structurally sound, the DOT discouraged tourists from visiting such places.
DOT said it has not received any reports of stranded tourists in the affected areas, as Alert Level 3 remains over Mt. Kanlaon, which has erupted three times since June last year.
Rapid disaster response teams of Victorias and Silay yesterday joined the Bureau of Fire and Protection in clearing thick layers of volcanic ash that have been deposited since the recent eruption, along the roads of the cities of La Carlota and Bago, as well as La Castellana.
The Negros Occidental provincial government also sent its water filtration truck to provide potable water to La Carlota City residents whose water sources were affected by ashfall from the eruption. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds with PNA reports)