By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The number of volcanic quakes recorded at Mt. Kanlaon spiked again, almost two weeks after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the status of the volcano to ‘Alert Level 2.’
Based on data gathered by Phivolcs, a total 53 earthquakes occurred between the morning of Saturday and Sunday, a jump from the three recorded between Thursday and Friday.
Phivolcs also noted the volcano is still currently undergoing a moderate level of unrest and reiterated the possible intrusion of magma underneath the volcano, which “may or may not” lead to an eruption.
However, volcanologists at the various observatories surrounding the volcano have not recorded any “degassing activity” at the volcano’s crater despite the spike in the number of quakes.
“We should continue to pray,” advised Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Zeaphard Caelian.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense-Region VI urged the public to heed warnings regarding the volcano.
Last week, the agency conducted a pre-disaster risk assessment.
Regional Director Jose Roberto Nuñez noted, the department will be looking to provide trainings for nearby local government units (LGUs) in preparation for implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS), which formulates a standard operating procedure for coordination before and after a disaster strikes.
In addition, nearby DRRM offices will be intensifying their information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns in order to better prepare the local populace in the event of disaster.
According to Caelian, the province is prepared for any contingency requiring cooperation among LGUs on matters, including food and transportation needs.
Earlier, Phivolcs heightened the alert status of the volcano after nearly 250 volcanic quakes were recorded.
The volcano was also noted to have emitted sulphur, forcing authorities in the town of La Castellana to suspend classes during the week of Phivolcs’ declaration.
Classes resumed the following week.
Authorities from both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental continue to closely monitor the volcano’s activity./DGB, WDJ
