Kanlaon Volcano emits dark ash

MANILA, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island emitted dark ash accompanied by a weak low-frequency volcanic earthquake, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

“Since 11:45 a.m., dark ash has been issuing from the summit of Kanlaon Volcano, accompanied by a weak low-frequency volcanic earthquake. This has produced a dark plume roughly 1.2 kilometers high that is drifting to the northwest,” state volcanologists said yesterday.

Phivolcs said ashfall is expected to be experienced in some Negros Occidental communities, especially those in the northwest and west of the volcano.

“All other parameters of the volcano remain elevated but are generally unchanged,” the agency said.

Prior to the dark emission, Phivolcs recorded 15 volcanic earthquakes and 7,198 tons per day of sulfur dioxide in the last 24 hours.

“The public is reminded that Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) is raised over Kanlaon Volcano. This means that there are increased chances of sudden and even stronger explosive eruptions to occur and endanger communities at risk with life-threatening volcanic hazards,” Phivolcs warned.

According to Phivolcs, communities within the six-kilometer radius of the summit crater must remain evacuated due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents or ballistic projectiles as well as ashfall, lava flows, rockfalls and other related hazards.

“Local government units (LGUs) and disaster risk reduction and management councils must also vigilantly monitor weather conditions in case heavy rainfall occurs and generates lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining the southern flanks of the volcano,” Phivolcs said.

“Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that four localities in northern Negros were hit by flashfloods caused by more than four hours of rain brought about by Tropical Depression Romina and the shear line.

According to the PDRRMC, flood waters as high as 10 to 15 feet affected Barangays Andres Bonifacio, Caduhaan and Magsaysay in Cadiz City. At least 1,022 families or 3,438 people were evacuated to safer ground.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow to the lowlands.

Escalante assured affected residents of enough food during their stay in evacuation centers and advised them to wait for improved weather before returning to their homes.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office sent 820 food packs for affected residents in Cadiz City and 300 food packs to those affected in Manapla town. — Gilbert Bayoran