Ninoy Aquino International Airport (File photo)
MANILA – About 29 flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been canceled due to the eruption of the Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island, the Manila International Airport Authority reported Tuesday.
The flights are:
Cebu Pacific (5J)
5J 473/474 Manila-Bacolod-Manila
5J 451/452 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J 453/454 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J 476 Bacolod-Manila
5J 464 Iloilo-Manila
5J 454 Iloilo-Manila
AirAsia (Z2)
Z2 761/762 Manila-Cebu-Manila
Z2 603/604 Manila-Bacolod-Manila
Z2 306/307 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
PAL Express (2P)
2P 2841/2842 Manila-Cebu-Manila
2P 2139/2140 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
2P 2129/2130 Manila-Bacolod-Manila
2P 2131/2132 Manila-Bacolod-Manila
2P 2141/2142 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
2P 2905/2906 Manila-San Jose, Antique-Manila
2P 2835 Manila-Cebu
2P 2836 Cebu-Manila
On Monday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level of Mt. Kanlaon from Level 1 to Level 2 due to an explosive eruption that lasted 6 minutes.
"Explosive volcanic eruptions occur when volcanic gas expands quickly. When the pressure is too high, gases are released suddenly, causing a powerful explosion that blasts out ash, gas, and lava," Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.
Aviation authorities were told to advise pilots to avoid flying near the volcano's summit as ejecta from sudden phreatic eruptions could be hazardous.
Ensure efficient response
In a Facebook post Monday night, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered the stockpiling of family food packs (FFPs) in response to Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption.
Gatchalian said he is in constant coordination with the regional directors of DSWD 6 (Western Visayas) and DSWD 7 (Central Visayas), as well as with local government unit officials to ensure the department’s efficient response for all those affected by the eruption.
The DSWD Mobile Command Center (MCC) truck of DSWD-7 is online and ready to mobilize to Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday.
The DSWD MCCs are equipped with state-of-the-art satellite Internet, large power banks, and two sets of generators that can be used as a source of power supply and Internet connection for communities in disaster areas.
Gatchalian is scheduled to check the situation in the areas affected by the volcano eruption on Tuesday.
OCD: Ground situation still manageable
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), meanwhile, said it is ready to support local disaster response units amid Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption.
"As we speak, this is still manageable at the level of the local DRRMOs (disaster risk response and management offices) but we are alert and ready to provide necessary assistance if needed. We will provide continuous updates," it said in a statement.
The office also urged affected residents to stay vigilant and heed the authorities' warnings and advisories.
The OCD also said that it is closely coordinating with its regional counterparts in Western Visayas and Central Visayas on the situation and response operations.
"We are receiving reports of evacuation activities in Negros Occidental. Response teams are being deployed in the affected areas to move the residents to safe places. The Provincial DRRMO of Negros Occidental has also raised its Alert Level Status to BLUE and activated its response clusters," it added.
Police aid
The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, said it has mobilized enough personnel for response operations amid Kanlaon’s unrest.
“We have been monitoring this and even before, the PNP leadership has already reminded all police commanders to prepare for disasters especially with the start of the rainy season, and the eruption of Kanlaon,” PNP Fajardo spokesperson said in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Tuesday.
She said those who are readily available for deployment are members of the search and rescue teams and other personnel who would assist the local government units in attending to the needs of their constituents.
Prayers
Meanwhile, the Diocese of San Carlos urged residents to stay calm, continue praying and follow instructions from local authorities.
“Let us not succumb to fear, but instead place our trust in God and focus on the safety and well-being of our families and communities. Let us also pray for our leaders and responders, that the Holy Spirit may guide their decisions and actions,” Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said in a pastoral message.
He said the diocese is ready to provide assistance to those affected by the volcanic eruption.
“I also appeal for your generous support to provide for the immediate needs of our affected brothers and sisters,” he said.
He said the faithful can donate essential goods such as face masks, drinking water, emergency food packs, and medicines
“Your contributions, reflecting the spirit of Christian charity, will bring comfort and relief to many,” he said. (with Priam Nepomuceno, Lloyd Caliwan and Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
