Kanlaon Volcano Unrest Affects Thousands on Negros Island
More than 94,000 people have been impacted by the ongoing unrest at Kanlaon Volcano, local authorities reported. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) confirmed that the volcanic activity continues to disrupt communities across Negros Island.
According to the latest 6:20 a.m. report from the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), a total of 94,228 individuals have been affected, residing in 30 barangays nationwide. This alarming figure highlights the broad reach of the volcano’s current unrest.
Evacuations and Damage from Kanlaon Volcano Unrest
Of those affected, 5,940 people are currently housed in evacuation centers, while 10,621 others have sought shelter with relatives or in alternative locations. The volcanic activity has also caused partial damage to 5,031 homes, underscoring the severity of the situation.
In response, the DSWD has distributed nearly P193 million worth of humanitarian aid to support affected families. Local leaders noted the urgent need for continued assistance as residents cope with displacement and property damage.
Volcanic Activity and Safety Warnings
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that Kanlaon Volcano emitted 10 volcanic earthquakes and released 1,590 tons of sulfur dioxide on July 5. Plumes from the volcano reached up to 650 meters high, indicating ongoing magmatic unrest.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, signaling increased volcanic activity. Phivolcs strongly recommends evacuating all residents within a six-kilometer radius around the summit to ensure their safety.
Precautionary Measures and Hazards
Officials have also prohibited aircraft flights near the volcano to avoid dangers. Residents are warned about possible sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, rockfalls, lahars during heavy rains, and pyroclastic flows. These hazards pose a serious threat to life and property in surrounding areas.
One local resident shared in Visaya, “Nagkalisod gyud mi kay dili na kami makabalik sa among balay tungod sa kahadlok sa bulkan” (We are really having a hard time because we cannot return home due to fear of the volcano).
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to follow evacuation orders and safety protocols.
For more news and updates on Kanlaon Volcano unrest, visit Filipinokami.com.