Bago City Faces Crisis as Kanlaon Volcano Erupts, Displacing Hundreds in Ashfall Aftermath

BACOLOD CITY - In a distressing turn of events, the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on December 9 has left 398 families, totaling approximately 1,580 individuals, grappling with the aftermath of ashfall in Bago City, Negros Occidental. The explosive eruption, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m., first triggered reports of ashfall in Barangays Mailum and Ilijan, creating a cascade of challenges for local residents. The impact of the eruption was swift. Within just an hour, a sulfuric stench accompanied the ashfall, further affecting 24 barangays across the city. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has noted that Barangay Ilijan has been hit hardest, housing 269 evacuees, followed by Barangay Mailum with 83 families, Barangay Binubuhan with 20, and Barangay Ma-ao with nine. As emergency operations unfolded, a total of 381 families sought refuge in seven designated evacuation centers, while 17 families found temporary shelter outside of these facilities. The eruption has not only displaced many residents but has also led to a range of health issues, including anxiety attacks, allergies, coughing, and even hyperventilation syndrome, as the community grapples with the stress and physical toll of the volcanic activity. In response to the dire situation, the city government has taken proactive measures by distributing facemasks to residents affected by the ashfall. Evacuation efforts are ongoing in the most impacted barangays—Ilijan, Mailum, and Binubuhan—as officials work to ensure the safety and well-being of the evacuees. While roads and bridges remain passable, they are covered in ash, creating slippery conditions for those attempting to navigate the area. The city has initiated the flushing of volcanic ash from critical public spaces, including thoroughfares, city hall, and local markets, to mitigate the hazards posed by the eruption. Power outages have also been reported in Barangays Ilijan and Mailum, compounding the difficulties faced by residents. In light of these challenges, the local government has suspended classes at all levels in Bago City, effective immediately, and has cancelled regular work at the Bago City Hall and other city government offices, although a skeletal workforce remains on duty to manage the crisis. As the situation develops, the community of Bago City stands resilient, united in the face of adversity, while local authorities continue to navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.