DUMAGUETE CITY – Residents of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental are accustomed to Kanlaon Vocano’s volcanic activity and are prepared for the worst, knowing the response and management drills down to the barangay level, an official said on Tuesday.

Seth Bariga, Canlaon City alternate information officer, said that life remains normal despite the latest ash emission on Kanlaon, although city officials and emergency responders are keeping a close eye on the volcano.

“We are already used to volcanic activity, unlike in the past when even an ash emission like this morning would unsettle us,” Bariga said.

“The people, however, are mindful of what to do in times when the volcano becomes restive."

There were no evacuations following Tuesday’s event of Kanlaon.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported a weak ash emission with grayish plumes observed from the volcano’s summit crater early in the morning.

While Alert Level 2 still remained in Kanlaon, Bariga said the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), barangay officials, and other local government unit (LGU) personnel were monitoring the volcano’s activities.

Bariga said the biggest challenge now for the LGU is responding to more than one disaster occurring at the same time.

He was referring to the recent heavy rainfall that triggered flooding in some areas over the weekend, requiring the deployment of CDRRMO personnel and emergency response volunteers.

Although the mountain city has not encountered this situation of volcanic activity and rainfall flooding taking place at the same time, Bariga said they find comfort in the cooperation among the LGU, local officials, and residents who understand the necessary preparations and appropriate disaster response and mitigation measures. (PNA)