Kanlaon Volcano ashfall alerts raised

BACOLOD CITY — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) warned residents of possible ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano from Friday night through Saturday morning, March 20 to 21.

Emergency alerts were issued after ash emissions were recorded at 9:02 p.m. and 11:23 p.m. on Friday, the NDRRMC said.

Another alert followed after Kanlaon emitted ash at 5:58 a.m. on Saturday, producing grayish plumes rising about 500 meters above the crater and drifting southwest.

Meanwhile, the response cluster of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Negros Island Region convened Thursday to strengthen coordination and preparedness amid the possibility of an increased alert level at the volcano.

READ: Kanlaon eruption sparks fires; ashfall hits Negros villages

Office of Civil Defense-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III, who also chairs the RDRRMC, said the meeting included the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure readiness.

Kanlaon’s activity is being closely monitored following three moderately explosive eruptions in just over a month, Sermeno said.

He added that logistics, including food and non-food items, are being prepositioned in case the alert level is raised to Alert Level 3. Response teams for search and rescue, as well as camp management, are also on standby. /das