2024-12-10 06:59:00
UA four-minute eruption on Monday sent a column of ash four kilometers high as a mixture of hot lava, gas adn volcanic rock raced down the slope on the volcano’s southeastern flank, local officials said, warning of the risk of new eruptions.
Volcanic ash fell over a wide area, including Antique province, more than 200 kilometers west of the volcano, obscuring visibility and posing health risks, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director Teresimo Bacolcol said. .
At least six domestic flights and one flight to Singapore were canceled and two local flights were diverted to the region on monday and today due to the Kanlaon eruption, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said.
The population was being driven away from the nearest settlements on the western and southern slopes of Kanlaon. In La Castellana, Negros Occidental, nearly 47,000 people had to be evacuated from a six-kilometer danger zone around the volcano, the Civil Defense said.
Over six thousand people have been moved to reception centres, while others have been temporarily moved to family homes in La Castellana this morning (local time), Mayor Rhumyla Mangilimutan said.
philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said authorities were ready to provide support to large numbers of displaced residents and that the social welfare minister flew to the affected region this morning.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology was analyzing air quality due to the risk of contamination from toxic volcanic gases that may require the evacuation of more areas.
Authorities also closed schools and imposed night curfews in the most vulnerable areas.
Mount Kanlaon, located on the island of Negros, at 2,400 meters above sea level, is one of the 24 most active volcanoes in the archipelago.
Videos posted on social media by residents showed a cauliflower-shaped mass of smoke coming out of the crater.
in September, hundreds of area residents were evacuated after Mount Kanlaon spewed thousands of tons of toxic gas in one day.
Kanlaon has erupted more than 40 times since 1866, according to records from the Institute of Volcanology.
In 1996, three hikers were killed by ash spewing from the volcano.
Located in the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a region of intense seismic and volcanic activity, the Philippines is hit by around 20 typhoons and storms a year and is among the countries that record the highest number of natural disasters.
Read also: Population evacuated from villages after volcano eruption in the Philippines
How can residents prepare for potential volcanic eruptions in their area?
Interview with Teresimo Bacolcol: understanding the Recent Eruption of Mount Kanlaon
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Teresimo Bacolcol, Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Let’s discuss the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon that occurred on December 10, 2024. Can you provide us with an overview of what happened?
Teresimo Bacolcol: Thank you for having me. The eruption lasted approximately four minutes and projected a meaningful column of ash about four kilometers high. This mixture of hot lava,gas,and volcanic rock flowed down the southeastern flank of the volcano,which prompted urgent warnings about the potential for subsequent eruptions.
Editor: that sounds alarming. What impact did this eruption have on the surrounding areas, particularly in terms of health and aviation?
Teresimo Bacolcol: Indeed, the volcanic ash spread widely, affecting visibility and posing health risks, especially in Antique province, which is over 200 kilometers away. This led to the cancellation of at least six domestic flights and a flight to Singapore, with others being diverted. Public safety is our priority, and these disruptions were necesary to protect lives.
editor: With nearly 47,000 people evacuated from nearby settlements, how is the local government addressing the needs of these displaced residents?
Teresimo Bacolcol: The local government has been proactive, moving over six thousand people to reception centers while others were temporarily housed with family. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that the authorities are providing support to those affected, and social welfare assistance is being mobilized. The situation is critical, and we are closely monitoring it.
Editor: Besides evacuation, what other precautions are being taken in light of this eruption?
Teresimo Bacolcol: We have implemented several safety measures, including the closure of schools and the imposition of night curfews in vulnerable areas. Our team is actively analyzing air quality to assess the risk of contamination from toxic volcanic gases, which may require further evacuations.
Editor: Mount Kanlaon is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. Can you share some past context regarding its activity?
Teresimo Bacolcol: Certainly. Mount Kanlaon has erupted more than 40 times as 1866. Notably, in 1996, an eruption tragically resulted in the deaths of three hikers. This volcano is located in the “Ring of Fire,” a zone marked by intense seismic and volcanic activity,making it susceptible to eruptions.
Editor: given the potential for natural disasters,what advice would you offer to residents in areas prone to volcanic activity?
Teresimo bacolcol: It’s crucial for residents to stay informed through local authorities and heed evacuation orders promptly. Awareness of emergency protocols and keeping emergency packs ready can save lives. Additionally, staying connected with community resources and participating in preparedness drills can enhance resilience against such disasters.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Teresimo. lastly, how can our readers stay updated on volcanic activity and related safety measures?
Teresimo Bacolcol: The Philippine Institute of volcanology and Seismology regularly updates its website and social media platforms with real-time data on volcanic activity, safety advisories, and educational resources.I encourage everyone to follow these channels for the latest updates.
Editor: We appreciate your time and valuable information today, Teresimo. It’s essential for our readers to remain informed and prepared in these situations.
Teresimo Bacolcol: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. Stay safe, everyone.