ILOILO City – Authorities have suspended all farming and livelihood activities within Mount Kanlaon’s six-kilometer extended danger zone from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily starting today, June 24, following a surge in volcanic activity that signals a heightened threat of eruption.
The decision, issued by Task Force Kanlaon in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), was prompted by fresh monitoring data showing 67 volcanic earthquakes within a 24-hour period, a sulfur dioxide flux of 755 tonnes per day, and a continuous plume of volcanic gas rising up to 950 meters and drifting northeastward.
“This restriction is effective immediately to protect lives and ensure safety, as the volcano continues to show signs of escalating magmatic unrest,” PHIVOLCS said in its June 23 bulletin.
Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mount Kanlaon, indicating a high likelihood of sudden, moderately explosive eruptions.
Communities within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) are advised to remain evacuated due to the persistent threat of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), rockfall, lava flows, and ashfall.
PHIVOLCS also reminded the public of secondary hazards such as lahars and sediment-laden streamflows that may occur during heavy rainfall while the volcano is eruptively active.
Residents in areas affected by ashfall are urged to wear protective masks or wet cloths, especially the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
Local government units are being directed to maintain a state of readiness for possible large-scale evacuations should the situation deteriorate further.
Meanwhile, pilots are advised to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit as ash clouds could pose serious risks to aircraft.
Mount Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, straddles Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental and is under close observation as volcanic unrest continues./PN
