By JEN BAYLON

The eruption of Kanlaon Volcano has resulted in agricultural losses worth P104.8 million in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Operations Center said.

DA’s data showed that ash fall and lahar flows from Kanlaon have affected 3,947 metric tons of crops in several local government units in both Negros provinces.

High-value crops suffered the most, with losses estimated at P101.2 million, the DA said.

Rice crops were also affected, with losses estimated at P1.37 million, while corn suffered damages worth P122,250.

Around 1,706 farmers and fisherfolks were affected by the unrest, the report said.

At least 118 farms — raising cattle, carabao, horses, pigs, and chickens — sustained losses amounting to P2.17 million.

The lahar flow has contaminated rivers in communities near Kanlaon, particularly La Castellana town and La Carlota City in Negros Occidental.

Gray cohesive mud, plant debris and gravel were deposited by lahars in at least four waterways.

The DA in Western and Central Visayas offices are working to provide assistance to affected farmers and fishermen through the provision of seeds, planting materials and bio-control measures.

“Best possible efforts are being undertaken to carry out assistance and appropriate interventions to the affected farmers and fisherfolk,” the DA said.

Earlier, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned of Kanlaon’s increased volcanic activities, indicating that eruptions are still possible to occur.

Phivolcs said Kanlaon’s emitted plumes reached 300 meters high, and sulfur dioxide emissions had reached 3,347 tonnes per day.

Alert Level 2 has been maintained over Kanlaon since its eruption last June 3./JB, WDJ