There are 145 families with 423 members residing within Kanlaon Volcano’s 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, who have evacuated as of Thursday, Sept. 12.
The mandatory evacuation was imposed in response to the heightened seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano.
There were 79 volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano that emitted 11,558 tons of sulfur dioxide from 12 a.m. Wednesday to 12 a.m. Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.
The mandatory wearing of face masks, a curfew and a liquor ban have been imposed.
As of 11 a.m. Thursday the Canlaon residents evacuated from Brgy. Pula were 3 families with 13 individuals, Brgy. Masulog – 89 families with 254 individuals, Brgy. Malaiba – 49 families with 141 individuals and Brgy. Lumapao – 4 families with 15 individuals.
Some families in Brgy. Masulog have opted to return home after signing waivers and being apprised of the risks involved, a press statement from Canlaon City said.
The Canlaon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has approved a cash grant of P500 for each evacuee aged 18 and above.
Canlaon Mayor Jose Chubasco B. Cardenas has issued an Executive Order that mandates the use of face masks to mitigate respiratory hazards due to elevated sulfur dioxide levels.
A curfew for minors is also being enforced, with restrictions on their presence in public areas after 10 p.m., the press statement from Canlaon said.
All business establishments have also been ordered to close by 10 p.m., it said.
A 10 p.m. curfew is also being imposed at evacuation centers to ensure the safety and security of evacuees.
A ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages has been imposed to maintain public order and safety during this critical period, the statement said.
Residents are strongly advised to remain indoors, keep windows and doors securely closed, and to only go outside when absolutely necessary to avoid exposure to volcanic gasses and ash fall, the statement added.
Water safety measures are also in place, including water sampling to ensure the safety of drinking water amid potential contamination, it added.
The Canlaon City Health Office is actively overseeing these protocols.*