• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported a significant increase in ground swelling and pressurization at the Kanlaon volcano in Negros Island.
Monitoring by the Kanlaon Volcano Network has shown a pronounced inflation in the eastern edifice of the volcano since Friday night.
The Upper Pantao Observation Station located in the eastern flank detected a sharp increase in the inflationary tilt, indicating a sudden rise in the pressurization of magma on the upper portion of the volcano.
These changes, according to PHIVOLCS, are similar to conditions observed before the December 9 eruption, signaling a higher risk of sudden explosive eruptions.
Such eruptions could produce dangerous volcanic hazards, including pyroclastic density currents, ashfall, lava flows, and ballistic projectiles, which pose a serious threat to life and property, it added.
In response to the latest Kanlaon Volcano advisory, Task Force Kanlaon commander Raul Fernandez has called for heightened monitoring and immediate preparedness for evacuation in areas identified within the Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDC) hazard map.
Fernandez identified the areas at risk for PDC to include Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, La Castellana, Bago City, La Carlota City, San Carlos City, Murcia and Moises Padilla, all in Negros Occidental.
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 due to ongoing magmatic unrest.
Fernandez said that residents within the 6-kilometer extended danger zone must remain evacuated to ensure safety, while he ordered local authorities to enforce strict access restrictions.
He added that affected communities must be alert to heavy rainfall that could trigger lahar or sediment-laden streamflows, especially in areas near the southern flanks of the volcano.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno has appealed to all residents affected by the potential eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, particularly in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, to heed official warnings, including those outside the 6-kilometer extended danger zone.
He emphasized that “lives are far more important than properties and livelihood.”
Nepomuceno also warned that “no responders will attempt to get inside the danger zones to execute rescue operations should an eruption occur.”
“It is crucial for everyone’s safety to evacuate now,” he added.*