Kanlaon eruption: 2 areas under state of calamity

MANILA, Philippines —  The city of Canlaon in Negros Oriental and the municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental declared a state of calamity on Tuesday, a day after being hit with ashfall and sulphuric fumes as a result of Kanlaon Volcano’s phreatic eruption.

La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhumyla Mangilimutan confirmed yesterday the flow of lahar in Barangay Biak na Bato, with roads no longer passable in the aftermath of rains.

Mangilimutan called on residents to remain calm and avoid the path of lahar flows, which carried debris including trees and rocks.

She also ordered the forced evacuation of residents in the affected barangay, in anticipation of more lahar flow in the evening. Heavy equipment has been dispatched to clear barangay roads.

Farmlands in six barangays of La Castellana at the foot of the volcano were almost covered by ashfall, which reached three more barangays.

A total of 232 affected families are staying in different evacuation centers of La Castellana and being fed by the municipal government, aside from the food packs being distributed to them by the local and provincial government and other agencies.

Mangilimutan earlier declared the “suspension of work in all government offices and agencies except those with functions that involve the delivery of basic services, disaster preparedness and response and other vital services.”

Following the declaration of state of calamity, Mangilimutan said prices of basic commodities have been controlled, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, after she noted an increase in the price of face masks.

More than 1,500 residents in three cities and three municipalities of central Negros fled from their homes shortly after the eruption on Monday evening.

Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas also declared the suspension of work in government and private offices on Tuesday. While the situation in the city is back to normal and volcanic activity has simmered down, Cardenas emphasized that restriction within the permanent four-kilometer danger zone should be strictly observed.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who visited La Castellana on Wednesday, said “all those moved to evacuation centers have