24,000 families affected by Kanlaon eruption -- OCD

A total of 24,000 families were affected by the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano last October 10, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Monday.

Located on Negros Island, Kanlaon experienced a “moderately explosive eruption” on Saturday while remaining under Alert Level 2.

“Pagdating doon sa Bulkang Kanlaon, meron pong apektado doon na 24,000 [families] dahil nga doon sa mga ash emission… [this is] composed of 94,000 na mga kababayan natin,” OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

(Regarding Kanlaon Volcano, around 24,000 families have been affected due to the ash emissions… this comprises 94,000 individuals.)

Castillo said that across the 21 evacuation sites in the area, the number of evacuees remained unchanged at 2,500 families, or equivalent to nearly 8,000 individuals.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), eight separate ash emission episodes at Kanlaon were observed on October 11, while five episodes have been reported so far this Monday.

“So ang latest is mula 5:45 a.m. hanggang 7:24 a.m. kanina this one lasted about one hour and 39 minutes, and nag-produce ito ng plume na umaabot sa 300 meters above the crater, and it drifted towards the northwest,” PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said.

(The latest episode occurred from 5:45 a.m. to 7:24 a.m. earlier, lasting about one hour and 39 minutes. It produced a plume that reached up to 300 meters above the crater before drifting northwest.)

As of Monday, Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, with the possibility of another explosive eruption.

“Nanatili ang Kanlaon sa Alert Level 2, which means may increased volcanic unrest. Patuloy pa rin ang close monitoring dahil posible pa rin ang further emissions or another explosive eruption na nangyari katulad nung October 10,” Bacolcol said.

(Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, which means there is increased volcanic unrest. Close monitoring continues because further emissions or another explosive eruption, similar to what occurred on October 10, remain possible.)

According to PHIVOLCS, communities near Kanlaon remain exposed to the dangers of ashfall, volcanic gases, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and ballistic projectiles should explosive eruptions occur again.

Bacolcol advised that the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone must remain evacuated, and communities within 6 kilometers of the summit should stay vigilant and prepared in case the volcano is raised to Alert Level 3.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public to always follow official advisories from their local government units.

“During ashfall, they should stay indoors, close the windows and doors. Kung kailangan lumabas, gumamit ng well-fitting N95 mask at tska aye protection,” Bacolcol added.

(During ashfall, people should stay indoors and close windows and doors. If going outside is necessary, wear a well-fitting N95 mask and eye protection.)

Alternatively, surgical masks or a damp towel can also be used if an N95 mask is unavailable.

Taal Volcano

Recent activity at Taal Volcano has affected 138 families (around 452 individuals), according to the OCD.

A minor phreatomagmatic eruption at the main crater of Taal was logged on Thursday, which emitted black smoke that reached 4,000 meters into the sky.

The OCD said that as of the latest update, 32 families are currently staying at the single evacuation site set up in the area.

Residents near Taal Volcano were similarly advised to stay vigilant, follow official advisories, and take necessary precautions to protect their health, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. —RF, GMA News