Mount Kanlaon Erupts: Classes, Work Suspended in Canlaon, Negros Oriental
Classes at all levels and government work in Canlaon, Negros Oriental have been immediately suspended following the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Monday afternoon.
Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas issued executive orders after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level of Kanlaon from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3, indicating magmatic unrest.
School and Government Closures
Executive Order No. 86 covers both private and public schools in the town, suspending all classes.
Meanwhile, Executive Order No. 88 gives the discretion to the private sector whether to suspend work or not. The order states:
“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services.”
It further added:
“As to work in the private sector, suspension or cancellation of work shall be at the discretion of management.”
Precautionary Measures in Place
Executive Order No. 87 mandates the mandatory wearing of face masks to prevent respiratory diseases caused by sulfur dioxide from the volcano.
The same executive order also implements a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for minors, and requires all establishments to close by 10 p.m. Additionally, a liquor ban will be enforced, especially in public places and during gatherings.
LOOK: Photos of Kanlaon Volcano eruption
The eruption occurred at 3:03 p.m. on Monday. It produced a voluminous plume that rose to 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest. The eruption also released 4,638 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Sunday, as well as a moderate 300-meter tall plume.
All local government units have been advised to evacuate the six-kilometer radius from the summit of the volcano and prepare for possible additional evacuations.
Stay Updated: Follow official government channels and trusted news sources for the latest updates and safety guidelines regarding Mount Kanlaon’s activity.