The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Western Visayas is on full alert, preparing for possible mandatory evacuations as Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental shows signs of increased volcanic activity.
OCD Western Visayas spokesperson Maria Christina Mayor confirmed that the agency is closely monitoring the situation following orders from Director Raul Fernandez to intensify surveillance of the volcano.
“We are on high alert and all systems go. Let us not let our guard down,” Fernandez said, urging immediate action if any advisory is released.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded 288 tectonic earthquakes around Mt. Kanlaon, indicating heightened seismic activity that could result in volcanic tremors, landslides, and a potential eruption.
Mayor stated that OCD Western Visayas is continuously coordinating with local government units near the four-kilometer danger zone of the volcano.
The Regional Incident Management Team has been reactivated to monitor and manage incidents in Negros Occidental. The team’s initial actions included setting up contingency plans for towns and cities that might be affected by another eruption.
Earlier this morning, OCD Western Visayas reported class suspensions in San Carlos City, particularly in Barangay Codcod, which is just six kilometers from the crater of Mt. Kanlaon.
“Rumbling sounds caused by minor quakes can be heard in Barangay Codcod, prompting class suspensions despite evacuation plans being in place,” Mayor stated.
Currently, there is no forced evacuation in the areas within Negros Occidental, but residents are urged to stay alert. Response mechanisms, including vehicles and evacuation centers, are on standby for any necessary mandatory evacuation.
“La Carlota, Bago City, and La Castellana have activated their regional incident management units to ensure their response mechanisms, including transportation, food, and non-food distribution, are ready,” Mayor added.
On Monday evening, September 9, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas ordered mandatory evacuations to ensure the safety of Canlaon City residents.
PHIVOLCS reminded the public that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) remains in place for Kanlaon, with the possibility of eruptive unrest that could elevate the alert level further. Residents are strongly advised to avoid entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone
Civil aviation authorities have also been advised to warn pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit due to the risk of ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruptions.
