Increased volcanic ash emission noted at Kanlaon

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported yesterday an increase in volcanic ash emissions at Kanlaon volcano, as it recorded 28 emission episodes that lasted up to one hour and 16 minutes.

The emissions, it added, generated grayish plumes that rose up to 800 meters above the summit.

Phivolcs clarified, though, that the ash emission have been generally quite and occurred without seismic or infrasound signals.

Following this, Civil Defense Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno directed the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas to prepare for worst-case scenarios, such as when an eruption coincides with a typhoon.

“Preparing for the worst-case scenario is crucial for saving lives. We must ensure that our response plans are robust and ready to be implemented at a moment’s notice, especially in the face of potential natural disasters,” Nepomuceno said.

He emphasized the importance of local government units in preparedness efforts as he appealed to localities “to work doubly fast in all preemptive and risk mitigation measures.”

“It is essential that we prevent the loss of lives and livelihoods in the event of a major or violent eruption. The time to act is now,” Nepomuceno said.

He also urged affected residents to heed the guidance of local leaders and follow advisories from Phivolcs and the OCD.

“It is vital that residents stay informed and follow instructions from authorities to ensure their safety. Their cooperation can make a significant difference in our collective response to this situation,” Nepomuceno stressed.

Based on Phivolcs visual observations, the latest ash emission episode took place between 5:46 a.m. to 7:02 a.m. yesterday, or a period of one hour and 16 minutes.

Traces of ash and sulfurous fumes were reported in Sitio Bais in Barangay Yubo, La Carlota City and in Barangay Sag-ang in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Phivolcs said there has been persistently high degassing of volcanic sulfur dioxide at the volcano.

Alert Level 2, or increasing unrest, is maintained over Kanlaon.

The agency also warned that entry should be prohibited in the four-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards.

Tourism sites in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental remained closed as Mayor Jose Cardenas ordered the distribution of rice to 19,000 families.

Cardenas also coordinated with the Office of the President and with Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria to secure the resources needed to revive the farms damaged by ashfall. — Michael Punongbayan