THE Province of Negros Oriental has been placed under a State of Calamity after the explosive eruption of Mount Kanlaon on December 9, 2024. This declaration, made during a special session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on December 27, underscores the urgency of emergency measures to address the significant volcanic activity threatening local communities.
Eruption Details and Impact
Mount Kanlaon’s eruption produced a powerful magmatic explosion, sending a 3,000-meter plume into the sky and triggering pyroclastic density currents that swept down the southern and southeastern slopes. Widespread ashfall was reported in areas west of the volcano, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to raise the volcano’s alert level to Alert Level 3.
The Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) was expanded to a six-kilometer radius, leading to mandatory evacuations of residents within the danger zones.
Provincial Declaration
The City of Canlaon and the Municipality of Vallehermoso had already been declared under a State of Calamity. Following recommendations from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan invoked the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) guidelines to extend the declaration to the entire province, citing the widespread impacts of the eruption.
During the session, presided over by Vice Governor Jaime L. Reyes, Hon. Kit Marc B. Adanza moved to declare the State of Calamity, seconded by Hon. Julius C. Sabac. The resolution, documented as Resolution No. 1329, was unanimously approved and signed by Vice Governor Reyes and Governor Manuel Sagarbarria.
Unified Response Efforts
The declaration enables the mobilization of resources, prioritization of relief operations, and implementation of disaster preparedness initiatives to protect affected communities. Provincial Secretary Geoffrey P. Villahermosa certified the resolution, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the eruption’s impact.
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, adhere to evacuation protocols, and stay updated on advisories as Mount Kanlaon’s activity continues to pose a threat.