By JEN BAYLON

A mandatory evacuation order was issued by the Canlaon City government in Negros Oriental to residents living within Kanlaon Volcano’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) after increased volcanic activities, including earthquakes, could signal a possible eruption.

In his Executive Order (EO) No. 63 issued yesterday, Canlaon Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas mandated the evacuation from the PDZ effective immediately until further notice.

The mandate follows the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (Phivolcs) advisory, which warns of heightened seismic activities around the volcano.

Based on EO 63, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in coordination with other local authorities, will be responsible for implementing the evacuation plan.

CDRRMO will manage evacuation centers and provide essential food and basic supplies for the evacuees.

Around 6,800 food packs, water, medicines, essential supplies, and logistical resources, including heavy equipment and transportation, have already been prepositioned.

Special attention will be given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups during the evacuation, EO 63 read.

The Canlaon City police, along with other law enforcement units, will also assist in enforcing evacuation and ensure that no unauthorized persons remain within PDZ, the mandate said.

Cardenas urged residents living within PDZ to comply with the evacuation orders for their safety.

Residents are advised to cooperate with local authorities to avoid any incidents during the evacuation process.

Phivolcs, in its advisory, said 288 volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded since Monday night, September 9.

“Rumbling sounds were reported by some residents of Bago City. Strong sulfur fumes have been reported in a few barangays in Bago, La Carlota and Canlaon cities,” Phivolcs said.

The quakes, which are linked to rock fracturing beneath the volcano, indicate that magma is moving toward the surface, possibly leading to an eruption.

Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from Kanlaon yesterday averaged 9,985 tons, the highest since instrumental gas monitoring began, Phivolcs said.

“Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of SO2 this year at an average rate of 1,273 tons per day before the June 2, 2024 eruption, but emission since then has been particularly elevated at a current average of 3,468 tons per day,” it added.

The Kanlaon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 2, signifying increasing unrest, and the continuous seismic activity raises concerns about potential volcanic hazards, including pyroclastic density currents, ashfall, ballistic projectiles, and rockfall.

“Current seismic activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the alert level,” it added.

Phivolcs advised the public to be vigilant and avoid entry into the PDZ.

Classes suspended

The Canlaon City government also suspended classes in five villages yesterday amid the increased volcanic activities at Kanlaon.

Classes in Barangays Masulog, Pula, Malaiba, Lumapao, and Linothangan will be suspended indefinitely, the local government said in a social media post yesterday.

Meanwhile, the La Castellana municipal government in Negros Occidental also suspended classes yesterday.

“Due to increasing unrest of Mt. Kanlaon, classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, are suspended,” the local government said on its Facebook post. / With reports from PNA / JB, WDJ