• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that Kanlaon volcano emitted ash twice on Sunday.
The ash emission events generated superheated and grayish plumes that rose 150 meters above the crater, with continuous degassing and occasional ash emissions drifting southwest, according to PHIVOLCS.
Seismic activity remains notable, with 12 volcanic earthquakes recorded, including one volcanic tremor lasting approximately five minutes, with sulfur dioxide flux of 2,302 tons on January 18, it added.
Ground deformation measurements indicate that the volcano’s edifice is inflated, PHIVOLCS said.
The Office of the Civil Defense reported a slight decrease in the total number of families and persons inside evacuation centers, to 5678 families, composed of 18,245 persons, from 5,774 families, comprising 18,256 individuals, as of January 18.
La Castellana in Negros Occidental is in need of food packs, chlorinator, aqua tabs, wash kits, hygiene and first aid kits, portalets, bathing facilities, folding beds, kitchen sets, sleeping kits, rolls/sakoline tarps, modular tents, beddings, and face masks, while the tent cities are in need of ground covers or sleeping mats,according to the OCD.
Canlaon City in Negros Oriental is also in need of a patient transport vehicle, burner with tanks, solar lights, folding beds, blankets, pillows, plastic pallets, and foam with cover, for use by evacuees, it added.
Kanlaon volcano remains on Alert Level 3, a status that has been in effect since December 9 last year.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Kanlaon Volcano, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno reassured the public that the government is prepared to respond effectively and provide essential support to evacuees.*