PHILIPPINES: Mount Kanlaon eruption forces 385,000 children out of school
MANILA, 5 June 2024 – A volcanic eruption in the Philippines has forced at least 684 schools to close, affecting about 385,000[1] students, with nine schools converted into evacuation centers, Save the Children said.
Following the eruption on Monday, Mount Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island in central Philippines is on Alert Level 2, the highest level since the eruption, which indicates an increase in volcanic activity.[2]
Images on social media showed an ash cloud shooting into sky and homes covered in volcanic ash, with at least 43 earthquakes recorded since Monday’s explosion which lasted 6 minutes.[3]
The Philippines is no stranger to volcanic activity and sits in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.
Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children Philippines, said:
“This eruption has halted education in at least 684 schools and hundreds of thousands of children have been affected by the Mount Kanlaon eruption. Experts have warned that volcanic activity may continue. We urge everyone to follow safety guidance issued by the authorities and Save the Children Philippines stands ready to assist those affected.”
Save the Children Philippines has notified its Emergency Response Team (ERT) and local partners who are on standby to deployed to the affected area. Masks and other items are also ready to be dispatched from nearby warehouses.
Save the Children has been working in the Philippines since 1981 with programs in humanitarian response, health and nutrition, education, and children's rights and protection.
ENDS
For further enquiries please contact:
Amy Lefevre, Global Media Manager, Asia: Amy.Lefevre@savethechildren.org
Kay Maatubang, Brand and Integrated Communications Manager, Save the Children Philippines: felycora.maatubang@savethechildren.org
Our media out of hours (BST) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409
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[1] Department of Education Philippines. According to the DepEd Philippines, there are 385,339 students and 684 schools affected by the eruption with nine schools being used as evacuation centers.
[2] DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
