Classes suspended in 5 Negros Occidental LGUs as Kanlaon erupts
KANLAON Volcano erupts on Sunday, March 15. (Sam Pantalita FB)
BACOLOD CITY – Five local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental suspended classes on Monday, March 16, following the moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Sunday, March 15.
These LGUs were La Castellana, Binalbagan, Isabela, Hinigaran, and Himamaylan City.
Local chief executives cancelled classes to protect the health and safety of students, teachers, and school personnel from possible ashfall and related hazards.
School administrators were advised to implement appropriate alternative learning arrangements and the public was encouraged to remain alert and follow official advisories from LGUs, concerned government agencies, and authorities.
Some areas in Himamaylan City and Binalbagan reported light ashfall. Authorities advised people to wear masks and limit outdoor exposure as much as possible.
Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas appealed to the people of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, where the volcano is situated, not to panic and remain alert.
He assured that barangays and emergency response teams as well as rescue vehicles are ready to be deployed.
Cardenas advised people to wear face masks for possible ashfall and stay indoors.
Kanlaon Volcano erupted at 6:07 p.m., generating a two-kilometer-high eruption column that drifted to the southwest. Photos and videos of the eruption circulated online with visible flames in the forest.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), this is the third event of the volcano this year, following Feb. 19 and 26.
Alert Level 2 was maintained over Kanlaon Volcano and entry into the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited.