Mount Kanlaon Roars: Volcanic Eruption Sparks Mass Evacuations in Central Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A deafening explosion shattered the serene night as Mount Kanlaon, a towering figure on Negros Island, unleashed a fury of ash and steam into the sky. The eruption plunged Canlaon, a city of nearly 60,000 souls, into chaos, triggering sirens and panic among its residents.
In a desperate scramble for safety, over 700 individuals fled to evacuation centers, seeking refuge from the wrath of nature. Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas recounted the frantic scene as government trucks raced through the streets, ferrying families away from the looming threat. Two evacuation centers swelled with over 150 displaced persons, while others sought solace with relatives far from the volcano's reach.
Miraculously, amidst the chaos, no casualties were reported. However, the eruption spurred authorities to raise the alert level to two, signaling a "moderate level of volcanic unrest" in the region. Mount Kanlaon, one of the nation's 24 most-active volcanoes, had once again asserted its ominous presence.
The explosion was deafening," Mayor Cardenas conveyed, "residents likened it to a war zone, with ashfall pelting their rooftops relentlessly.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. swiftly mobilized resources, ensuring the safe relocation of 796 individuals from 170 families to evacuation centers across Canlaon and neighboring towns. With government aircraft on standby, reassurance was offered amid uncertainty.
Yet, in the wake of danger, precautions were paramount. Mayor Cardenas ordered the temporary closure of resorts, curtailing mountain-viewing and trail-hiking activities, aiming to minimize risks should Mount Kanlaon awaken again. Police enforcement of a no-entry zone within a 4-kilometer radius underscored the seriousness of the situation, safeguarding lives from potential harm.
Teresito Bacolcol of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reflected on the eruption's aftermath, with ash reaching as far as 10 kilometers. Uncertainty lingered as to the volcano's future behavior — a restless giant capable of both fury and calm.
Nestled within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," the Philippines endures the dual onslaught of seismic activity and tropical storms, earning its status as one of the world's most disaster-prone nations. Yet, amidst the trials, resilience shines, as communities unite to face nature's relentless fury.
In the aftermath of Mount Kanlaon's eruption, the resilience of the Filipino spirit shines through once again. As communities band together to navigate the uncertainties of nature, hope remains steadfast. With cautious optimism, the nation braces for whatever challenges lie ahead, drawing strength from unity and the enduring spirit of resilience that defines the Filipino people.