DOT suspends tourism activities due to ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has suspended tourist activities in some areas in Negros Island due to ashfall caused by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.

Among the affected areas are La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, and Murcia in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

Kanlaon Volcano erupted on Monday afternoon, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to raise its status to Alert Level 3.

DOT said trekking, swimming, farm site visits, and day tour activities were suspended in the affected areas.

It added that tourist destinations near or within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, such as Guintubdan Spring, Buenos Aires Resort, Mambukal Resort, and Sugar Valley Coffee Farm, were temporarily closed.

The Canlaon City government has closed Kanlaon Inland Resort and Eco-Tourism, Padudusan Falls, Bao-bao Viewing Deck, and Quipot Falls to ensure public safety.

The Tourism Department also urged the public to not to go near or within the permanent danger zone and areas heavily affected by ashfall.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the ashfall from Kanlaon’s eruption affected 30 cities and towns in Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Antique.

According to the Office of Civil Defense, 39,258 individuals or 9,942 families have been evacuated amid Kanlaon’s activity. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News