Mass Evacuation in Philippines After Major Volcanic Eruption

Manila, 10 Dec (ONA) --- About 87,000 people were being evacuated in a central Philippine region today after a volcano briefly erupted with a towering ash plume and superhot streams of gas and debris hurtling down its western slopes.

The latest eruption of Mount Kanlaon on central Negros island did not cause any immediate casualties, but the alert level was raised one level, indicating further and more explosive eruptions may occur.

Volcanic ash fell on a wide area, including Antique province, more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) across seawaters west of the volcano, obscuring visibility and posing health risks.

At least six domestic flights and a flight bound for Singapore were canceled and two local flights were diverted in the region today due to Kanlaon’s eruption, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Located in the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the Philippines is also lashed by about 20 typhoons and storms a year and is among the countries most prone to natural disasters.

---Ends/Thuraiya/KH