CEBU CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas is closely monitoring the situation in Negros Island Region following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Monday afternoon, Dec. 9.
Ensign Jan Abel Lomboy, information officer of PCG-7, said two vessels, MRRV-4402 BRP Malabrigo and MRRV-4408 BRP Cape Engaño, are on standby and ready for deployment if needed.
The Coast Guard District-Central Visayas is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure the smooth transportation of trucks carrying food packs from Cebu to Negros, said Lomboy.
One of the country’s most active volcanoes, Mount Kanlaon, erupted at 3:03 p.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.
Initial reports indicated that the eruption resulted in a three-kilometer high plume, with pyroclastic density currents descending from the slopes.
Phivolcs elevated the Alert Level from Level 2 to Level 3, which means Kanlaon is also experiencing magmatic eruption.
All local government units within the six-kilometer radius of the volcano were advised to initiate evacuation.