Philippine officials order evacuation, urge caution after volcano eruption
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Villagers evacuate after an eruption of Kanlaon volcano in Canlaon City, Negros island, the Philippines, on June 3.
PHOTOS: AFP, EPA-EFE
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MANILA - The Philippine authorities ordered the evacuation on June 4 of residents living near a volcano in central Philippines following an eruption that sent a 5km-high ash cloud into the sky
Government officials warned of the possibility of further eruptions of Kanlaon volcano, hazardous ash fall and sulphuric odour.
They also warned that rivers downstream from the volcano were at risk of flash floods, mudflows and other hazards.
“Go to your respective evacuation centres, be vigilant and prepare important things such as water and food,” said Mr Jose Chubasco Cardenas, Mayor of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental province. He issued the evacuation order via Facebook for residents in four communities near the volcano.
In nearby province Negros Occidental, Governor Jose Lacson told DWPM radio station that more than 700 people were taking shelter in evacuation centres.
“We advise them to stay there and for those not yet in evacuation centres, I hope they can reconsider.”
Government agencies have yet to report the missing, injured or fatalities since the eruption on June 3.
The six-minute eruption prompted the suspension of work and schools in Canlaon City, while three airlines cancelled 32 flights on June 4.
“We advise people to wear face masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash,” Dr Teresito Bacolcol, chief of the state seismology agency, told DZBB radio station.
The agency raised the level for Kanlaon volcano, indicating further eruptions were possible.
Response teams have been deployed in the affected areas to move residents to safe places, the state civil defence agency said on June 3.
Kanlaon, one of the country’s two dozen active volcanoes, last erupted in December 2017. The Philippines is in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common. REUTERS
