The Norwegian Embassy in Manila is closely monitoring the situation following the eruption of the Kanlaon volcano on December 9, 2024. The eruption has prompted the evacuation of over 87,000 residents on Negros Island the last couple of days, raising concerns for both local communities and Norwegian citizens in the area.
“Our embassy in Manila is following the situation closely,” stated Andreas Bjørklund, communications advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in comments to TV 2. He urged Norwegian citizens currently in the Philippines to register using the Reiseklar app or on reiseregistrering.no, enabling the embassy to provide necessary information and assistance.
Local authorities have initiated evacuations in four villages situated on the southwestern slope of the volcano. “All local governments should evacuate residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano’s summit,” stated the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). “Everyone must be prepared for further evacuations if volcanic activity warrants it.”
The ash cloud from Kanlaon has raised significant concerns among local authorities and residents. Glowing ash and debris have cascaded down the volcano’s slopes, and PHIVOLCS anticipates additional eruptions. Just last September, hundreds of residents had to evacuate when the same volcano emitted large amounts of harmful gases. Since 1866, Kanlaon has recorded over 40 eruptions.
Currently, residents in affected areas are receiving assistance in finding safe shelters as the situation develops. National and local authorities are continuously assessing conditions around the volcano to ensure the safety of the public.
