Bacolod City—Rising volcanic activity at Mt. Kanlaon has led to the suspension of classes and the deployment of relief efforts in nearby communities, as local governments escalate their response to the increased seismic events.
According to Philippines News Agency, on Tuesday, the municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental, located at the base of Mt. Kanlaon, announced a halt to educational activities in both public and private institutions across all levels due to the volcano’s heightened unrest. The decision followed an advisory from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) which reported 288 volcanic-tectonic earthquakes since midnight. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, led by Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, also enforced a prohibition against entering the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) surrounding the volcano.
Phivolcs has maintained Mt. Kanlaon on Alert Level 2, signaling increasing unrest with potential for escalation. The agency noted observations of rumbling sounds from Bago City and strong sulfur fumes in several barangays in Bago and La Carlota City. It has advised the public to stay vigilant and avoid the PDZ to reduce risks from potential volcanic hazards like pyroclastic density currents and ballistic projectiles.
Similarly, in Negros Oriental, the city government of Canlaon has also suspended classes indefinitely in five villages vulnerable to the volcanic activity. Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has emphasized safety, instructing school administrators to prepare for emergencies and prioritize the evacuation of residents within the PDZ. The city has prepositioned 6,800 food packs, water, medicines, and other essential supplies, and has prepared evacuation centers with special consideration for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, to facilitate smoother evacuations and access for emergency services, Mayor Cardenas has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure the full availability of a concreted detour road.