BACOLOD CITY – The municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental, which has several villages at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon, suspended classes on Tuesday following the increased seismic activity of the volcano in Negros Island.
“Due to increasing unrest of Mt. Kanlaon, classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, are suspended today,” the local government said on its official Facebook page.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, chaired by Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, cited the 11 a.m. advisory of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), saying 288 volcanic-tectonic earthquakes have been recorded by the volcano network since midnight on Tuesday.
“In this situation, residents of the upper barangays are prohibited from entering and staying within the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ),” it said as it appealed for everyone to keep safe.
Phivolcs said in its advisory in Negros Occidental, “rumbling sounds were reported by so
me residents of Bago City,” and “strong sulfur fumes” have been reported in a few barangays in Bago and La Carlota City.
“The public is reminded that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) prevails over Mt. Kanlaon, but the current seismic activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the alert level,” it said.
Phivolcs also strongly advised the public to be ready and vigilant and to avoid entry into the four-kilometer-radius PDZ “to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, and others.”
In Negros Oriental, the city government of Canlaon also suspended classes in five villages.
In a social media post, the local government said the indefinite suspension of classes will cover schools in Masulog, Pula, Malaiba, Lumapao and Linothangan villages.
Canlaon Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas directed school administrators to prioritize safety and prepare for emergencies.
The city government earlier ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents wit
hin the four-kilometer permanent danger zone while already prepositioned are 6,800 food packs, water, medicines, essential supplies, and logistical resources, including heavy equipment and transportation.
Evacuation centers have been identified, with priority given to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Additionally, Cardenas coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways to fully open both lanes of the concreted detour road to ease access for commuters.
Source: Philippines News agency