Bacolod: Some local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental urged residents to wear masks and declared the suspension of classes as ashfall hit various areas after another explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Tuesday morning.
According to Philippines News Agency, the explosive eruption started at 5:51 a.m. and lasted for 56 minutes, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. This eruption occurred four months after a similar event on Dec. 9, which affected thousands of residents in central and southern Negros. Approximately 5,600 individuals remain in evacuation centers with Alert Level 3 still in effect over the volcano.
In La Carlota City, the ashfall primarily impacted the villages of Ara-al, Yubo, San Miguel, Haguimit, La Granja, Cubay, Nagasi, Balabag, and Roberto S. Benedicto, according to the city government's report. Light ashfall also affected the Poblacion barangays. Mayor Rex Jalando-on announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public and private schools until further notice. Work in government offices is also suspended, except for those involved in disaster and emergency response.
The city government advised that affected barangays require drinking water and face masks. Residents are urged to remain indoors, stay informed through official channels, and adhere to safety advisories from local authorities. The Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting road flushing in the affected areas and will supply potable water to residents in Barangay Ara-al.
Initial reports from the Office of Civil Defense indicated that ashfall was experienced in Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellana, and Barangay Ilijan, Bago City. In La Castellana, Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan also declared class suspensions at all levels. The LGU's Incident Management Team has prohibited entry to the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, and the window time for evacuees to visit their farms is suspended for safety reasons.
In Pontevedra, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office announced class suspensions. The Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting flushing operations in affected areas, and the municipal government is distributing face masks in public spaces.
In Himamaylan City, Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson Jr. advised residents to wear masks outdoors and limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups, due to hazy conditions. He urged residents to report any health concerns to their nearest health centers as a precautionary measure.
In San Carlos City, all activities within the 8-km. radius of the volcano summit have been suspended due to the potential for alert escalation. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office advised nearby barangays to continuously monitor and preposition community warning, evacuation, and response assets.
