Local News: Kanlaon Closed to Mountaineers Due to Quake

The Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP) has been declared temporarily closed to mountaineers in the wake of 6.9-magnitude quake that struck Negros Island last week.

The suspension was made by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Office of the Protected Area Superintendent.

MKNP Park Superintendent Cecil Cañada, in his letter to Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. dated Feb. 10, said they decided to suspend any form of mountaineering activities within MKNP because the extent of the damage, believed to have been caused by the quake, especially on mountain trails and eco-parks, pose a threat to mountain trekkers.

Cañada said assessment of the MKNP showed that portions of the volcano’s crater were affected by the quake, and land surfaces had cracks and evidence of landslides.

Large fissures were also found near the volcano’s crater, while a landslide occurred in its Margaha Valley, he said.

The area was assessed by accredited trained guides and members of the rescue group based in Guintubdan, La Carlota City with the assistance of MKNP eco-tourism officer and biologist Angelo Bibar, the report said.

Mt. Kanlaon is an active volcano with an elevation of 2,435 meters.

In Negros Occidental, it spans to La Castellana and Murcia towns and the cities of La Carlota and San Carlos. In Negros Oriental, it spans to and Canlaon City and Vallehermosa town.

Cañada said that on their end, they suspended activities at Mt. Kanlaon to protect trekkers from the dangers of aftershocks and occasional heavy rainfall.

He added that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) already learned about the damage at Mt. Kanlaon and an aerial survey will soon be conducted to confirm their findings.

Phivolcs experts, however, are waiting for clear skies before they can proceed with the survey.

The upper slopes of the volcano are expected to be cloud-covered this week because of the low pressure area affecting the Visayas, the agency said.

Cañada said an aerial survey was not able to proceed last week because no government helicopter was available, as these were being used in the relief operations in Negros Oriental.

Once the weather improves, a ground assessment will also be conducted, he added.*