Daan-daang pamilya, lumikas matapos ang muling pagsabog ng Mt. Kanlaon | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Summary

The recent explosive eruption of Mount Canlaon in Negros Occidental has left many residents in fear and uncertainty. Despite frequent volcanic activity in the area, this eruption was significantly stronger, triggering pyroclastic flows and ashfalls that have affected nearby communities. Thousands of families, including farmers like Sadra and Jona, have been forced to evacuate, with many suffering health issues from ash inhalation. The local government is providing assistance, but evacuees worry about their livelihood and the possibility of a stronger eruption. The situation remains tense, with authorities monitoring the volcano's ongoing activity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mount Canlaon, located in Negros, Occidental, has been showing increased volcanic activity for several months, with a major eruption occurring recently.
• 😀 Despite the ongoing threat, many residents of Canlaon have lived in the area for decades and have grown accustomed to the volcano's activity, though recent eruptions have caused panic.
• 😀 The recent eruption on December 9 was a major explosive event, producing pyroclastic flows and a volcanic plume that reached up to 4 kilometers in height.
• 😀 Local authorities have raised the alert level to 3, which indicates a high risk of eruption, leading to evacuations and significant disruptions to daily life.
• 😀 The eruption triggered ashfall that spread across nearby towns, including Bago, affecting residents' health and daily activities, such as farming and transportation.
• 😀 Farmers, like Sandra and Rani, have been severely affected by the ashfall, with crops damaged and concerns about recovery due to the continuous volcanic activity.
• 😀 The ashfall, which contains harmful sulfur dioxide, has caused respiratory problems for locals, especially those with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
• 😀 Evacuations have been taking place in areas near the volcano, with families seeking refuge in evacuation centers, but some residents are worried about the long-term effects on their homes and livelihoods.
• 😀 The local government has been distributing food packs and hygiene kits to evacuees, but the ongoing ashfall and the uncertain future make it difficult for many to feel secure.
• 😀 Experts warn that Mount Canlaon may continue to erupt in the coming days, with the potential for even stronger eruptions that could endanger people living within a 10 km radius of the volcano.

Q & A

What caused the recent eruption of Mount Canlaon?

The eruption of Mount Canlaon was triggered by increased volcanic activity, which had been evident for several months. The eruption was explosive and sent thick clouds of ash and volcanic debris into the sky, causing significant disruption to nearby communities.

How did Sandra, a farmer from Canlaon City, react during the eruption?

Sandra, along with her one-year-old child, fled the area as the eruption intensified. She described the experience as terrifying, running to safety while carrying her child, fearing for their lives due to the ashfall and the danger from the volcano.

What is a pyroclastic density current, and why is it dangerous?

A pyroclastic density current (PDC) is a fast-moving flow of hot volcanic gas, ash, and fragmented rocks. It is extremely dangerous because of its high temperature and speed, posing a serious threat to anyone in its path.

What was the immediate effect of the eruption on the surrounding towns?

The eruption caused widespread ashfall, affecting towns such as Bago City. The ash covered homes, streets, and vehicles, turning day into night. People experienced respiratory issues, and many had to wear masks to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the volcanic ash.

How did local vendors, like Jona, react to the ashfall?

Jona, a local vendor, described how the ashfall arrived quickly, darkening the sky within minutes. She rushed to protect her goods, and despite the danger, she described how she instinctively held and observed the falling ash, showing the fear and urgency of the situation.

What are the specific challenges faced by farmers like Nanay Rani after the eruption?

Farmers like Nanay Rani faced the loss of their crops, including rice, sugarcane, and vegetables, which were damaged by the ashfall. She expressed concern about recovering from the financial loss and highlighted the additional health issues caused by the ash.

What health risks are associated with volcanic ashfall?

Volcanic ashfall poses significant health risks, particularly to those with respiratory conditions. Inhalation of ash can cause coughing, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. The sulfur dioxide in the ash can also cause irritation to the eyes and throat.

What are the primary needs of the evacuees in the shelters?

Evacuees need basic supplies such as clean drinking water, food, medical care, and hygiene kits. Many evacuees, especially children and the elderly, are also suffering from respiratory issues due to the ash.

What measures are local authorities taking to ensure the safety of residents?

Local authorities are closely monitoring the volcanic activity and have issued evacuation orders for people within the danger zones. They are also providing relief efforts, including food packs, hygiene kits, and medical assistance, to evacuees.

What is the potential risk of future eruptions from Mount Canlaon?

There is a risk of a more intense eruption in the future. Experts are concerned that the volcano may experience stronger explosive activity, and if this happens, the alert level could be raised to level 4. This would increase the danger radius to 10 kilometers, requiring further evacuation efforts.