Canlaon City, Negros Oriental - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reports that hundreds of families have evacuated their homes in Canlaon City due to increased volcanic unrest at Mt. Kanlaon.
As of Tuesday evening, 88 families (248 individuals) have been evacuated to three different public high schools for temporary shelter. This includes:
- Barangay Masulog: 65 families (204 individuals) at Masulog High School
- Barangay Malaiba: 10 families (31 individuals) at Malaiba Elementary School
- Barangay Pula: 3 families (13 individuals) at Pula Elementary School
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported increased seismic activity at Mt. Kanlaon. In a report released on September 11, Phivolcs stated that 337 volcanic earthquakes were recorded over a 24-hour period.
Furthermore, Phivolcs observed a 1,000-meter high plume blowing southeastward, along with 9,985 tons of sulfur dioxide flux emissions on September 10. Ground deformation has also been detected.
Alert Level 2 remains in effect for Mt. Kanlaon, prohibiting public entry within the 4-km permanent danger zone. All aircraft are banned from flying near the volcano.
This recent unrest follows a six-minute eruption in June, which sent a plume of ash, rocks, and gases five kilometers into the sky.
Mt. Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines.
Source: Agence France-Presse
