29 Domestic Flights Canceled Due to Mt. Kanlaon Eruption
29 Domestic Flights Canceled Due to Mt. Kanlaon Eruption. On Tuesday, the Manila International Airport Authority reported the cancellation of 29 domestic flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport due to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island. The cancellations have affected several major airlines, including Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and PAL Express.
Affected Flights
The canceled flights include:
Cebu Pacific (5J):
AirAsia (Z2):
PAL Express (2P):
Volcanic Activity and Response
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level of Mt. Kanlaon from Level 1 to Level 2 on Monday night following an explosive eruption that lasted six minutes. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol explained that such eruptions occur when volcanic gas expands rapidly, leading to a sudden release of pressure that ejects ash, gas, and lava.
Aviation authorities have advised pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit due to the potential hazards from sudden phreatic eruptions.
Government and Social Welfare Response
In a proactive measure, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered the stockpiling of family food packs (FFPs) to support those affected by the eruption. The DSWD is coordinating closely with its regional offices in Western Visayas (DSWD 6) and Central Visayas (DSWD 7), as well as with local government units, to ensure a swift and efficient response.
The DSWD Mobile Command Center (MCC) truck in DSWD-7 is ready to deploy to Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. These MCCs are equipped with advanced satellite internet, large power banks, and generators to provide power and internet connectivity in disaster areas.
Gatchalian is scheduled to visit the affected areas on Tuesday to assess the situation.
Civil Defense and Police Support
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has expressed readiness to support local disaster response units. They are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with regional counterparts in Western and Central Visayas. Evacuation activities are underway in Negros Occidental, with response teams being deployed to assist residents in moving to safe locations.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Negros Occidental has raised its Alert Level Status to BLUE and activated its response clusters.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also mobilized personnel for response operations. PNP spokesperson Fajardo highlighted that search and rescue teams and other personnel are prepared to assist local government units in addressing the needs of affected residents.
Community and Religious Support
The Diocese of San Carlos has urged residents to remain calm, pray, and follow local authorities’ instructions. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, in a pastoral message, emphasized the importance of trust in God and the safety of families and communities.
The diocese is ready to provide assistance and has called for donations of essential goods such as face masks, drinking water, emergency food packs, and medicines to support those affected.
Conclusion
The eruption of Mt. Kanlaon has significantly disrupted air travel and prompted a coordinated response from various government and social welfare agencies. The efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents are ongoing, with the support of local authorities, civil defense, and community organizations.
The situation remains dynamic, and continuous updates from relevant authorities are expected to provide further guidance and support.