KANLAON Volcano erupts anew on Thursday night, Feb. 26. (Sam Pantalita)
BACOLOD CITY – People of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental were advised to remain calm and vigilant following the moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano at 7:04 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, a week after its last eruption on Feb. 19.
Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has instructed all barangay captains in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, where the volcano is situated, to immediately activate their emergency response protocols.
Cardenas said that Barangay Emergency Response Teams are ready and responders are on standby for any assistance. He added that coordination with concerned agencies is ongoing.
“I urge everyone to remain calm and alert especially to those who are near the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Never be complacent. Your safety is our priority,” the mayor said in a Facebook post.
La Castellana, Negros Occidental Vice Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan shared in a Facebook video that she was in Barangay Cabacungan when the volcano erupted.
She urged people, especially to those living in Barangays Masulog, Biak na Bato, Sag-ang, Mansalanao, and Cabagnaan to be vigilant and do not panic. “Pray that God will guide us and keep us safe and secure amidst calamities,” she said.
La Carlota City, Negros Occidental Mayor Jose Luis Jalandoni convened the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to coordinate an immediate response to the eruption. The local government is preparing water supply for affected areas.
In Bago City, Negros Occidental, people were advised to wear face masks to ensure their safety from ashfall.
Mayor Greg Gasataya here advised people to exercise caution as ashfall and other indirect effects may reach the city. As precaution, he reminded the public to limit outdoor activities and wear a mask when outside.