• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned that short-lived explosive eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano remain possible, following its eruption on May 13.
Local government units within the hazard zone have been told by PHIVOLCS to prepare in case Kanlaon unrest suddenly escalates, and a hazardous worst-case explosive eruption becomes imminent.
Communities within the 6-kilometer extended danger zone have been strongly advised by PHIVOLCS to remain evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and ashfall, and other related hazards that a similar explosive eruption could pose, said a report following the May 13 explosion of Kanlaon Volcano.
From June 3, 2024 up to May 16 this year, PHIVOLCS recorded 5,033 volcanic earthquakes.
However, as of this time, PHIVOLCS said there are no pronounced increases in volcanic quake and ground deformation activity, and increases in volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions and degassing are within average.
Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano.
Despite relatively stable monitoring data, PHIVOLCS cautioned that short-lived explosive eruptions could still occur.
There also remains a possibility of the activity escalating into lava flows or lava fountaining if there are sudden changes in monitoring parameters.
People living within the valleys and along river and stream channels, especially on the southern slope edifice of the volcano, or those affected by the post-eruption lahar should be vigilant in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall, since loose ash or pyroclastic materials have been deposited in the upper slopes and could be easily eroded to form sediment-laden streamflow and lahar, it added.
As of May 18, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas reported that a total of 4,573 families, displaced by Kanlaon eruption in Negros Occidental, who are staying either inside or outside of evacuation centers.*
