By JEN BAYLON

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) supports the decision of the Negros Occidental provincial government to suspend cloud seeding operations in the province, as it will trigger lahar flows in communities near Kanlaon Volcano.

“Rain can trigger lahars if there are volcanic deposits on the surface, especially after an eruption,” Phivolcs resident volcanologist Andylene Quintia said yesterday.

“These deposits can settle on the surface and then be washed out, only to happen if there is rain or precipitation. This is one of the triggers of lahar,” she explained.

The team from Phivolcs is conducting an assessment on areas near Kanlaon to minimize the risk of lahar flows.

Quintia also praised the provincial government’s decision, as sulfur dioxide emissions from Kanlaon remained high, with a recorded daily average of 2,792 tons.

The cloud seeding operation aims to induce rainfall to help alleviate drought conditions brought by the El Niño phenomenon in the province.

Phivolcs said it will continue to monitor Kanlaon’s volcanic activities.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders if necessary./JB, WDJ