Mt. Kanlaon temporarily closed to trekkers in wake of tremor

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano, has been declared temporarily closed to mountaineers after large cracks, believed to have been caused by Monday’s 6.9-magnitude earthquake, were observed at its crater and land surfaces, a local official said yesterday.

Kanlaon straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. It has an elevation of 2,435 meters (7,989 feet) and a base diameter of 30 km.

Cecil Cañada, Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP) superintendent, said at least three 50-meter long cracks have been noted near the crater, while other cracks and a landslide have been noted within the park.

A landslide was also seen at the Margaha Valley, the old crater of the volcano, he added.

An assessment was conducted by accredited trained guides and members of the rescue group based in Guintubdan, La Carlota City, in coordination with the MKNP eco-tourism officer and biologist Angelo Bibar, Cañada said.

Their report revealed that some portions of the volcano’s crater were affected, and land surfaces had cracks and evidence of landslides, he said.

Cañada also maintained that the aftershocks from Monday’s earthquake and occasional heavy rainfall could pose danger to the life of mountain trekkers and tourists in the park. /INQUIRER