Kanlaon ashfall hits 5 Negros barangays

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Five barangays in Negros Occidental experienced ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano yesterday.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said that residents in the villages of Camandag, Mansalanao, Robles and Sag in the town La Castellana, and Yubo in La Carlota City have been advised to wear face masks and stay indoor.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said seven ash emmision events occurred in Kanlaon yesterday morning and two more in the afternoon.

State volcanologists said they detected 20 volcanic earthquakes, including four tremors.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said up to 1,860 families, composed of 5,824 people, are still staying in 15 evacuation centers.

Up to 1,761 families, composed of 5,548 people are staying with relatives.

Donato Sermeno III, OCD-Negros Island Region director, said the window time given to farmers to enter and harvest crops inside Kanlaon’s extended danger zone is being strictly implemented.

The OCD said the window time starts from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sermeno said the OCD is strictly monitoring the entry and exit of people from danger zone.

He said police officers manning checkpoints around the volcano have been directed to submit weekly reports.