• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported on Monday an increased ash emission at the Kanlaon volcano, accompanied by a weak low frequency volcanic earthquake, which produced a dark plume that reached up to 1.2 kilometers high.
In an advisory, PHIVOLCS said the ashfall is expected to hit communities of Negros Occidental that are northwest to west of the volcano. It added that all other parameters of the volcano remain elevated, but are generally unchanged.
PHIVOLCS reiterated its reminder for the public that Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) remains hoisted over Kanlaon volcano, which means increased chances of sudden and even stronger explosive eruptions to occur, and endanger communities at risk with life threatening volcanic hazards.
It also warned barangays of La Castellana in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental that have been impacted by PDCs (pyroclastic density current), as well as villages downstream, especially those that have experienced lahar and muddy streamflow in June 3 eruption, could be affected by channel confined lahar in case of heavy rains.
The condition of Kanlaon volcano, according to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, has an estimated three million cubic meters of lahar deposits outside the crater.
The danger is that if there is a major rain, it can bring down the lahar which would greatly affect the condition in the area, Lacson said, apparently referring to communities downstream.
Lacson, who met yesterday with Office of the Civil Defense 6 and concurrent Task Force Kanlaon head Raul Fernandez, a meeting also attended by La Castellana Mayor Amelia Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan, Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas, and representatives of LGUs, surrounding Kanlaon volcano, said they agreed to a status quo on the 6 kilometer extended danger zone.
Fernandez earlier brought up the possibility of extending the danger zone to 10 kilometers, because of the possibility of lahar flow, amidst rains affecting Kanlaon volcano and surrounding communities.
The Department of Interior and Local Government reported that the six kilometer danger zone was already vacated by its residents.
As to the quick reaction fund of the Negros Occidental provincial government, it will be good for at least a month, according to Lacson.
He also assured La Castellana that the provincial government can take care of them, at least for a month.
Lacson also confirmed that the Office of the President has allocated an amount, which he did not disclose, for Negros Occidental to address the needs of residents affected by the Kanlaon eruption on December 9.
He also disclosed that he will spend Christmas with Kanlaon volcano affected residents.
Asked what would be his Christmas wish, Lacson replied “contrary to what is expected of Kanlaon, I hope it is the exact opposite. One day, we will find out that it is resting.”*
