Entry to Kanlaon extended danger zone banned anew

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines, May 28 ------ Authorities have lifted the window hours for farmers and residents to enter the six-kilometer extended danger zone of Kanlaon in Negros due to the volcano’s increasing activities. This developed after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 31 volcanic quakes, sulfur dioxide flux of 1,020 tons on Monday and plume emission that rose 700 meters yesterday. “Based on previous records, Phivolcs said these parameters could lead to sudden eruptions,” Donato Sermeno III, chief of the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region, said.

Farmers and residents were allowed entry into the extended danger zone from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. to attend to their farms and livestock. The suspension of the window hours takes effect today and will remain in place until further notice, Sermeno said.

The OCD has asked the police to strictly implement border control measures within the danger zone. Phivolcs chief Teresito Bacolcol said the decision to allow farmers entry to the danger zone rests on the OCD and concerned local government units. “But as far as Phivolcs is concerned, the extended danger zone must remain unoccupied,” Bacolcol said.

Source: philstar.com