• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued a warning that Kanlaon volcano, which is under Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest), could generate lahar.
“Precautionary measures should be in place because if there’s rainfall, our concern is that the volcano would generate lahar,” according to PHIVOLCS Deputy Director Mylene Villegas.
The Amihan and shear line is expected to bring rains on Tuesday, December 10, and also during the weekend in northern Negros, according to PAGASA’s weather outlook.
On the other hand, the presence of Mt. Kanlaon exposes various communities in both Negros Occidental and Oriental.
Based on the Western Visayas Mt. Kanlaon Eruption Contingency Plan, the lava flow hazards within the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), are in the barangays from La Castellana, La Carlota City, Murcia, and San Carlos City.
Barangays of Bago City and Moises Padilla, which are inside the 8-kilometer radius and 12-kilometer radius, are at low risk of lava flow, it added.
However, low lying municipalities are also prone to lahar flow.
PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol said the public should always be ready and follow the instructions of their LGUs.
Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), which Villegas described as the most dangerous volcanic hazard, descended the slopes on the general southeastern edifice. The PDC descended towards the municipality of La Castellana, in Negros Occidental.* with PNA reports
