MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists have noted an increase in the seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros after they detected 12 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quakes indicate an ongoing heightened magmatic activity beneath the surface.
Aside from the quakes, ashfall events lasting from eight to 56 minutes were also recorded in Kanlaon on Jan. 20.
Phivolcs confirmed that Kanlaon’s edifice remained inflated, suggesting magma accumulation inside the volcano.
Kanlaon emitted a moderate plume 300 meters high, which drifted westward with occasional ash emissions.
The volcano has been under Alert Level 3 since it erupted on Dec. 9, which marked the start of Kanlaon's heightened activity.
Entry into the volcano’s six-kilometer permanent danger zone is prohibited as hazardous eruptions may occur any time.
Communities near the volcano have been advised to prepare for danger, including sudden explosive eruptions, lava flow and pyroclastic density currents as well as ash and rockfall events.
The risk of lahar flows remains high, especially during heavy rain, state volcanologists said.
Pilots have been advised to avoid flying near the volcano due to the possibility of airborne ash and debris.
Bahay Kubo village for evacuees
Meanwhile, the city government of Bago in Negros Occidental opted to set up a Bahay Kubo or nipa hut village for Kanlaon evacuees, instead of a tent city.
The Bahay Kubo village is expected to accommodate 24 families composed of 50 people.
Merijine Ortizo, chief of the city disaster risk reduction and management office, yesterday said 14 nipa huts are being constructed in a seven-hectare relocation site in Barangay Napoles. The rest will be built as soon as the initial 14 huts are completed.
In terms of sustainability, Ortizo said a nipa hut could last longer than a tent. She said a tent cannot withstand strong winds and needs a floor mat.
Each nipa hut will cost the city government P50,000.
Ortizo said the city government has requested Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, through the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, to provide funds for the construction of a community kitchen and sanitation facilities as well as portalets in the Bahay Kubo village.
Road clearing and site development are being undertaken by the engineer’s office of Bago City.
Aside from nipa huts, the city government will also construct a temporary shelter area for the police, camp management, disaster response and medical teams.