DILG orders communities within Kanlaon PDZ to evacuate following eruption

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday ordered local government units within the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to evacuate following the earlier eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island.

“The DILG directed all concerned local chief executives to ensure that communities within the Permanent Danger Zone remain fully evacuated, and that residents within the six-kilometer radius are on heightened alert and prepared for possible escalation of volcanic activity,” the DILG said in a statement.

“Local governments were also instructed to intensify monitoring for potential lahar flows and sediment-laden stream surges, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, and to sustain risk communication efforts reaching even the most remote sitios near the danger zone,” it added.

A moderately explosive eruption occurred at the Kanlaon Volcano at 4:38 p.m. and it lasted for two minutes. The event also generated a dark gray eruption plume that rose 2,000 meters above the crater before drifting southwest.

Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano and entry into its four-kilometer radius PDZ is strictly prohibited.

Further, the DILG ordered the immediate convening of local disaster risk reduction and management councils, the activation of emergency operations centers and response clusters, It also directed local governments to  validate evacuation centers and preposition relief supplies and equipment.

Nearby towns also experienced ash fall following the eruption.

“In coordination with the Department of Health, the DILG reminded affected communities to observe health precautions in the event of ashfall, including wearing face masks, limiting outdoor exposure, avoiding eye and respiratory irritation, and seeking medical attention for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions,” the department said. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News