Almost 8,000 people moved to different evacuation sites in Negros Occidental in the wake of an explosive volcanic eruption early Tuesday morning, according to Task Force Kanlaon chief Raul Fernandez from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
Fernandez said these individuals are currently taking shelter in 22 evacuation centers. The areas affected by the ashfall include four barangays in La Carlota City and one barangay each from Bago City and La Castellana.
According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas, ashfall events were observed in Barangays Cubay, San Miguel, and La Granja in La Carlota City based on ground community reports.
As of 12 noon on Tuesday, the DSWD reported 22 villages in the following areas have been affected: Bago City, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, La Carlota City, Murcia, San Carlos City and Pontevedra in the Negros Island. At least 7,900 families or 24,891 individuals belong to these communities.
The local government unit (LGU) of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental has reported no injuries so far in the wake of the eruption. Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas strictly prohibited the entry of individuals within the six-kilometer extended danger zone around the volcano.
“Classes and work remain unaffected at this time. There are also no reports of injuries related to the eruption in Canlaon City. The public is urged to stay vigilant, follow official advisories, and refrain from spreading unverified information,” the LGU said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. affirmed military readiness in responding to the ongoing threats of the latest volcanic eruption.
In his visit to headquarters of the 303rd Infantry Brigade at Camp Gerona in Murcia, Negros Oriental, Brawner encouraged military personnel to stay mission-focused and remain committed to national security and disaster response efforts.
“The visit underscored the AFP’s continued vigilance and readiness to swiftly mobilize in the face of natural disasters, ensuring both the safety of citizens and the stability of the region,” said AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad.
“The AFP stands fully prepared to assist in any necessary evacuation, relief operations, and other humanitarian efforts in response to potential emergencies,” he added.