Hundreds of people in the Philippines evacuated their homes near the Kanlaon volcano after harmful gases were spurted from the crater, raising fears of a potential eruption. Approximately 300 residents from villages within 4km of the volcano were moved to temporary shelters in schools and community centres as a precautionary measure. The city information officer reported that villagers near the foot of the volcano had been complaining of a strong smell of sulphur, with most residents being farmers.
As a result of the volcano warning, classes were suspended, and some tourist spots in the city of Canlaon were closed on the same day. The Kanlaon volcano’s daily average emission of sulphur dioxide nearly tripled to 9,985 tonnes on Tuesday, which was the highest recorded emissions since monitor began. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a statement warning of potential eruptive unrest, putting residents of the affected villages at risk of various hazards such as ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, and swiftly-moving ash clouds.
The local government officials were working with the evacuated residents to ensure their safety and provide them with necessary assistance while being away from their homes. Authorities were monitoring the situation closely and communicating updates and advisories to the public. Meanwhile, experts continued to study the volcano’s activity and emission levels to assess the potential risks and the likelihood of an eruption occurring in the near future. The safety and well-being of the residents near the volcano remained a top priority for the government.
With the increase in volcanic activity and the release of harmful gases, the residents were advised to stay away from the danger zones and follow the instructions given by the authorities. The evacuation process was carried out smoothly, and the evacuees were being regularly updated about the situation. The closure of schools and tourist spots was necessary to ensure the safety of the public and prevent any potential harm in case of an eruption. The community worked together to support those affected by the situation and provide them with the necessary support and resources.
In such situations, regional and national disaster response teams play a crucial role in coordinating relief efforts and ensuring the safety of the affected population. Continuous monitoring, assessment, and communication are essential to managing the risk and response to volcanic activity. The local government’s proactive approach in evacuating residents and taking precautionary measures demonstrated their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The residents were urged to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols until the threat of eruption subsided. Collaborative efforts between various agencies and organizations were essential in responding effectively to the potential volcanic threat and protecting the people living near the Kanlaon volcano.
