The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered local governments in Negros Island to enforce strict safety precautions after the moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Thursday, Feb. 19.

The DILG placed emphasis on keeping danger zones clear as it directed local officials to ensure that no resident remains inside restricted areas.

The eruption occurred at around 4:38 p.m., lasting approximately two minutes. A dark gray plume rose about 2,000 meters above the summit and drifted southwest. Pyroclastic density currents descended the southern and southwestern slopes within one kilometer of the crater.

Alert Level 2 remains in effect and entry into the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited.

The DILG instructed all concerned local chief executives to ensure that communities within the PDZ remain fully evacuated. It said residents within the six-kilometer radius must stay on heightened alert and be prepared for a possible escalation of volcanic activity.

“Local governments were also instructed to intensify monitoring for potential lahar flows and sediment-laden stream surges, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, and to sustain risk communication efforts reaching even the most remote sitios near the danger zone,” the DILG said.

The department also ordered the immediate convening of local disaster risk reduction and management councils. It directed the activation of emergency operations centers and response clusters and called for the strict implementation of “Operation L!STO” protocols specific to Kanlaon Volcano.

“LGUs were likewise directed to validate evacuation centers, preposition relief supplies and equipment, and ensure the safety and welfare of responders and internally displaced persons,” it added.

In coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), the DILG reminded communities to observe health precautions in case of ashfall.

These include wearing face masks and limiting outdoor exposure, avoiding eye and respiratory irritation, and seeking medical attention for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions when necessary.

The DILG also instructed its Negros Island Region office to closely coordinate with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to ensure the rapid dissemination of advisories. It required continuous monitoring of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) bulletins and the timely submission of situation reports.

The department stressed that public safety remains the top priority and warned against complacency, saying that volcanic activity can escalate without warning.