• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported two moderate ash emissions from the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano on October 15, as it remains under Alert Level 2, or moderate level of unrest.
PHIVOLCS Science Research Analyst Daryl Arro disclosed that the first ash emission at 6:54 a.m. lasted 46 minutes, and the second event occurred at 7:50 a.m., which lasted 23 minutes. A similar occurrence also took place on Oct. 12.
Arro, however, said they have not recorded any ashfall, as a result of the ash emissions.
State volcanologists also reminded residents and visitors to avoid the four-kilometer permanent danger zone, as they urged local government units to maintain preparedness for possible evacuations, while civil aviation authorities are advised to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit because of potential ash emissions that could affect aircraft safety.
The ash emissions took place as earthquakes hit some areas of Iloilo and Negros Occidental on Wednesday.
Arro reported Intensity 2 tremors in Bago City, and Intensity 1 in La Carlota City, both in Negros Occidental.
Students of the Negros Occidental High School in Bacolod City, also exited their classrooms, after experiencing tremors while classes were ongoing.
In response to the ash emission events, the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region has deployed police personnel in La Castellana in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, to assist families that maybe displaced, maintain peace and order and border control operations.
A total of 112 police personnel were deployed by PRO-NIR in six affected barangays of La Castellana and Canlaon City, to assist the 284 affected individuals.
According to a bulletin issued by PHIVOLCS, it recorded 17 volcanic quakes and ash emissions producing plumes that rose up 100 meters above the summit crater before drifting southwest. The volcano edifice remains inflated, which indicates ongoing unrest. Flying any aircraft near the volcano is strictly prohibited.*
