Negros Oriental declares state of calamity

As Kanlaon Volcano shows intensified magmatic unrest

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The province of Negros Oriental has declared a state of calamity as Kanlaon Volcano continued to show intensified magmatic unrest, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

Data from the OCD indicated 24 ash emission events from Dec. 25 to 30, raising concerns for local government units surrounding the volcano.

In a special session on Dec. 27, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or provincial board approved a recommendation of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council to declare a state of calamity.

The board cited the impact of the Kanlaon eruption on the people and communities.

The state of calamity authorizes the provincial government to use its quick response fund to assist people displaced by the eruption.

The city government of Canlaon in Negros oriental yesterday conducted a drill in 10 evacuation centers, in preparation for a possible escalation of the volcano’s activity.

Residents have vacated the six-kilometer extended danger zone in Canlaon City as well as in La Castellana, La Carlota City and Bago City in Negros Occidental.

Up to 1,778 families composed of 5,802 people are staying in evacuation centers in Canlaon City, while others stayed with friends and relatives.

In a statement, the OCD said the ongoing activity around Kanlaon Volcano requires extreme preparedness and vigilance.

Local authorities and emergency services are on a heightened alert, ensuring resources are ready and immediately available for affected residents.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded nine emission events that lasted three to 76 minutes since Monday.

Phivolcs said the ash emissions were accompanied by 26 volcanic earthquakes, including nine volcanic tremors that lasted several minutes.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said that despite the continued degassing, they don’t see an uptrend in the volcanic activity.

Alert Level 3 or intensified unrest remained hoisted over Kanlaon since the volcano erupted on Dec. 9. — Romina Cabrera