The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) issued a stern warning on Tuesday, emphasizing the imminent danger of pyroclastic flow from the active Kanlaon Volcano, which could impact 34 barangays across three cities and three towns in Negros Island.
Pyroclastic flows, characterized by fast-moving currents of hot volcanic material and gas, pose a significant threat to life and property.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and strictly adhere to the advisories and warnings issued by authorities,” the OCD emphasized, highlighting the persistent risk of a major eruption given Kanlaon Volcano’s current Alert Level 3, which could potentially escalate to Alert Level 4.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has identified the following areas in Negros Occidental as potentially vulnerable to pyroclastic flows:
- La Castellana: Barangays Saga-ang, Camandag, Mansalanao, Manghanoy, Cabacungan, Puso, Biaknabato, Masulog, and Cabagna-an (hazard zone); Robles (buffer zone).
- Pontevedra: Barangays Buenavista Rizal and Zamora (buffer zone).
- La Carlota City: Barangays Ara-al, Haguimit, and San Miguel (hazard zone); Yubo, La Granja, and Balabag (buffer zone).
- Bago City: Sections of barangays Ilijan and Binubuhan (hazard zone); parts of barangays Ilijan, Binubuhan, Mailum, and Ma-ao Barrio (buffer zone).
- Moises Padilla: Parts of barangays Magallon Cadre, Odiong, Guinpana-an, and Montilla (hazard zone); Odiong, Magallon Cadre, Quintin Remo, and Macagahay (buffer zone).
In Negros Oriental, the following areas in Canlaon City are identified as high-risk: Barangays Pula, Linothangan, and Masulog (hazard zone); Malaiba, Mabigo (Poblacion), and Budlasan (buffer zone).
