Kanlaon Volcano’s continued unrest triggers animal evacuation, road closures

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Hot grounds and strong winds near Kanlaon Volcano triggered animal evacuation and road closures in several barangays in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Saturday afternoon, December 14.

The current scenario is linked to the continued unrest of the volcano following its explosive eruption on December 9.

All kinds of animals in Barangays Masulog, Biaknabato, Cabagnaan, Sag-ang, and Nato were forcibly evacuated by their respective owners to the town proper. Meanwhile, other animal owners were also engaged in “panic selling” of their animals at lower prices, like goats as low as P500, due to the current condition.

In an interview with Rappler on Saturday, December 14, La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan explained that the forced evacuation of animals was due to the mandate of both the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and Office of the Civil Defense. The mayor also said that some of the residents chose to abandon both their homes and their animals.

The town’s disaster risk reduction and management office also issued an advisory on road closures from Taborda in Barangay Robles, going to Barangays Mansalano and Cabagna-an to Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

The closure has limited the entry of all types of vehicles in the banned routes. Travelers who wanted to go to Canlaon are advised to take the Moises Padilla route.

Mangilimutan said it’s the decision of the Task Force Kanlaon (TFK) to cordon off Barangays Masulog, Biaknabato, Cabagnaan, Sag-ang, and Nato from any human activities. The said barangays are identified within the extended six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

“We are just following orders from Phivolcs, OCD, and TFK,” the mayor explained.

Earlier, TFK head Raul Fernandez said they were working on forced evacuation of all residents within the extended PDZ.

Fernandez said that based on their estimate, around 54,000 residents in various localities, both in Negros Occidental and Negros Occidental, will be subjected to forced evacuation in the coming days as the volcano remains under Alert Level 3. – Rappler.com