DOT suspends tourist activities in areas affected by Kanlaon eruption

NO WINTER WONDERLAND Ashfall from the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Monday has blanketed many parts of Negros Occidental province, including the Guintubdan Spring in Barangay Araal, La Carlota City. Photo taken on Dec. 10. (LA CARLOTA CITY WATER DISTRICT PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has suspended tourist activities in parts of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Monday.

In an advisory on Wednesday, the DOT said it had received reports of tourism stakeholders affected in areas experiencing heavy ashfall.

“These include municipalities and cities in Negros Occidental, such as La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, and Murcia. In Negros Oriental, the affected area includes Canlaon City,” the DOT’s advisory read.

As a precautionary measure, the agency has suspended the following tourist activities in the affected areas:

• trekking
• swimming
• farm site visits
• day tours

Kanlaon’s recent eruption forced the temporary closure of tourist attractions near or within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone.

“While no injuries, fatalities, or stranded tourists have been reported, travelers are strongly advised to avoid destinations within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone and areas heavily affected by ashfall,” the DOT said.

It also advised tourists to remain cautious and stay informed by regularly checking updates from local government units, disaster response authorities, and DOT regional offices.

Kanlaon Volcano had an “explosive eruption” at its summit vent at 3:03 p.m. on Monday, generating a thick plume that rose 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest.

The alert level was also raised from 2 to 3.