Ashfall from the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in the early morning of Tuesday hit La Carlota City in Negros Occidental, mainly affecting the villages of Ara-al, Yubo, San Miguel, Haguimit, La Granja, Cubay, Nagasi, Balabag, and Roberto S. Benedicto, based on the report of the city government.

Light ashfall was felt in the Poblacion barangays, it added.

La Carlota Mayor Rex Jalando-on said he ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels in both public and private schools until further notice.

Work is also suspended in all government offices located within the city except for offices and agencies involved in disaster and emergency response.

“Authorities reiterate the strict prohibition of human activity within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the risk of further volcanic activity,” he said.

In its advisory, the city government said affected barangays need drinking water and face masks as it urged residents to “remain indoors, stay updated through official channels, and follow all safety advisories issued by local authorities.”

The Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting road flushing in affected barangays and will provide potable water to residents in Barangay Ara-al, it added.
Initial report of the Office of Civil Defense indicated that ashfall was also felt in Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellana and Barangay Ilijan, Bago City.

In La Castellana, Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan also declared the suspension of classes in all levels until further notice.
The LGU’s Incident Management Team also strictly prohibited any entry to the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

“The window time for evacuees to visit their farms is suspended for the safety of everyone,” it said.
In Pontevedra, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also announced the suspension of classes.

Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection conducted flushing operations in areas affected by the ashfall while the municipal government distributed face masks in public markets, government offices, and schools.

In Himamaylan City, Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson Jr. told residents to wear masks when going outdoors and limit outdoor activities, especially for children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory conditions, after hazy conditions have been observed across the city.

“Report any health concerns to your nearest health center. This is a precautionary measure to protect your health and well-being,” the mayor said.

In San Carlos City, all activities within the 8-km. radius of the volcano summit have been suspended due to the possibility of alert escalation.

“Barangays near the affected areas are enjoined to constantly monitor and must preposition all community warning, evacuation and response assets,” the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said in its advisory.

Kanlaon’s explosive eruption started at 5:51 am of Tuesday. and lasted for 56 minutes, according to the report of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

It came four months after a similar event took place on Dec. 9, affecting thousands of residents in central and southern Negros, with about 5,600 individuals still staying in evacuation centers as Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over the volcano.

PNA PHOTO