The government is gearing up for a potential worst-case scenario amid the ongoing eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island, an official from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said yesterday.
OCD Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said preparations include readying evacuation centers and resources in case volcanologists raise the alert level for the volcano from 3 to 4.
“We already have worst-case scenario planning. We are also preparing the necessary evacuation centers because if there is an elevation of the Alert Level, even just to Alert Level 4, the number of people needing to be evacuated will increase by ten thousand. From 54,000 it will rise to 64,000,” he said.
“Family food packs, water, wash facilities, and bathing areas must be ready. Proper planning is essential at the local level to maintain the sustainability of these evacuation centers,” he said.
Alejandro called on LGUs to ramp up their disaster preparedness measures and ensure that basic needs of evacuees are met. The government’s focus, he said, is on minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected residents.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned of a possible “hazardous eruption” in the weeks ahead because the recent explosion involved magma.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday identified 30 cities and municipalities affected by ashfall from Kanlaon’s eruption.
In an advisory, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau said ashfall was reported in La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, Murcia, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Hinigaran, Valladolid, Pulupandan, and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental; Iloilo City, Pavia, Oton, Tigbauan, Igbaras, Guimbal, Miag-ao, San Joaquin in Iloilo; San Jose de Buenavista, Tobias Fornier, Anini-y San Remigio, Hamtic, Belison, Sibalom and Patnongon in Antique and the island of Guimaras.
Exposure to ashfall may result in respiratory problems, eye irritation, skin irritation and injury, and advised that outdoor activities must be limited, especially for the vulnerable groups, such as children, senior citizens and people with respiratory concerns.
The agency told affected residents to wear N95 masks, similar protection and goggles when outdoors; wear long-sleeved clothing; avoid driving if possible, touching ash-covered surfaces with bare hands, and close windows, doors and ventilation systems.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has temporarily suspended trekking, swimming, farm site visits, and day tours in areas affected by the heavy ashfall.
Specific attractions that are temporarily closed include Guintubdan Spring, Buenos Aires Resort, Mambukal Resort, Sugar Valley Coffee Farm, and other sites near or within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
Additional closures include Kanlaon Inland Resort and Eco-Tourism, Padudusan Falls, Bao-bao Viewing Deck, and Quipot Falls in Canlaon City, as ordered by the city government.
While no injuries, fatalities, or stranded tourists have been reported, the DOT urges travelers to avoid areas within the permanent danger zone and ashfall-affected locations.
Tourists are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring advisories from local government units (LGUs), disaster response agencies, and DOT regional offices.
The DOT emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of tourists and local communities and reminded the public to remain vigilant.
