Canlaon City suspends classes due to unrest of Kanlaon Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental has suspended classes at all levels, in both public and private schools, due to ongoing volcanic unrest at Kanlaon Volcano.

Under Executive Order No. 80, issued Monday, Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said the class suspension took effect at noon and will remain in effect “until further notice.”

Cardenas cited in the executive order the latest report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), which said Kanlaon Volcano had emitted ash twice, with each emission lasting 33 to 112 minutes.

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READ: Kanlaon Volcano emits ash

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Phivolcs likewise said three volcanic earthquakes and a sulfur dioxide emission of 1,244 tonnes per day were reported over the volcano.

Kanlaon also emitted a moderate plume that reached about 200 meters above the crater and drifted toward the southeast.

According to the city mayor, the volcano’s continuing volcanic unrest and the potential for “sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions and magmatic eruptions” pose “possible risks to public health and safety, particularly to students, teaching personnel, and school personnel who may be exposed to ashfall.”

“Ashfall may cause respiratory irritation, reduced visibility, poor air quality, and hazardous conditions along roads and other areas, thereby posing risks to the safety and well-being of students, teachers, school personnel, and the general public,” Cardenas said.

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“Considering the prevailing volcanic activity and the reported ash emission from Kanlaon Volcano, there is an urgent need to adopt precautionary measures and temporarily suspend classes within the City of Canlaon to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the school community,” he added.

READ: OCD warns Kanlaon may spew ash

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The mayor said the suspension would cover all face-to-face classes and other school-related activities that require the physical presence of students within Canlaon City.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, indicating the possibility of sudden steam-driven (phreatic) eruptions and signs of impending magmatic activity. /jpv