Bacolod on alert after Kanlaon eruption
The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is on alert following the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Tuesday morning, April 8.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/8/explosive-eruption-rocks-kanlaon-volcano
ASH covers the road in Barangay La Granja, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental following the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Tuesday, April 8. (Photo via Leah Martinez FB)
Dr. Anna Maria Laarni Pornan, CDRRMO head, said that residents remain unaffected by the ashfall or volcanic hazards but the CDRRMO Council and all barangay DRRM committees were placed on blue alert as a precaution.
Pornan said that Mayor Albee Benitez signified that they are ready to assist local government units that may be affected by the eruption.
Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer expressed concern after the eruption disrupted classes in La Castellana town and parts of La Carlota City.
He said that disaster funds of affected LGUs have been exhausted amid the assistance from the national government.
"If the volcano erupts every three months, the expenses will also increase," he said. “This is just a band-aid solution, as the situation of the evacuees is not normal in the evacuation centers,” the vice governor said.
Despite these challenges, Ferrer assured that the provincial government continues to provide feeding programs to evacuees and study the permanent relocation of residents within the six to 10-kilometer danger zone.
La Carlota Mayor Rex Jalando-on suspended work in all government offices starting Tuesday with the exception of offices and agencies involved in disaster and emergency response.
Private establishments were encouraged to suspend operations in support of public safety measures.
Ashfall affected Barangays Ara-al, Yubo, San Miguel, Haguimit, La Granja, Cubay, Nagasi, Balabag, RSB, I-Poblacion (light ashfall), II-Poblacion (light ashfall), and III- Poblacion (light ashfall) in La Carlota.
The Bureau of Fire Protection started road flushing in affected barangays and will provide potable water to residents in Barangay Ara-al.
Residents were advised to remain indoors and follow all safety advisories issued by local authorities.