• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Entry to the six-kilometer extended danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon remains suspended despite the reduction in volcanic quakes, according to the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR).
Donato Sermeno III, OCD regional director for NIR, said on Wednesday (June 25) that the sulfur dioxide emission remains low, at 789 tonnes on June 24, while the volcanic quakes reduced from 67 to 12, citing reports of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Previously, farmers and residents were allowed to enter the zone from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. to carry out their activities.
However, the OCD suspended entry effective June 24 after the volcano showed “alarming” activities and signs of another eruption.
Phivolcs also noted the continued ground deformation at Kanlaon Volcano, which remains on Alert Level 3.
Sermeno said the OCD continues to put up additional tents for the remaining internally displaced persons who are occupying some classrooms.
He said majority of the evacuees are still staying at La Castellana Senior High School building with permission from the Department of Education.
Sermeno added he hopes the evacuees will be able to move out as soon as possible so that the students will not be disturbed. | GB
