By JEN BAYLON
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is likely to raise Kanlaon Volcano’s alert level should its volcanic activities continue to escalate.
In a radio interview yesterday, Mari Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City, said the volcano is likely to be placed under Alert Level 3 if the unrest continues.
Kanlaon is currently at Alert Level 2 due to “increased unrest” following its explosive eruption on June 3.
Phivolcs said the current seismic activity may lead to eruptive unrest.
Kanlaon has emitted an average of 11,556 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) per day, Phivolcs said in its 7:00 p.m. advisory.
“This significant spike in gas emissions is the highest recorded from Kanlaon and signals a potential escalation of volcanic activity,” it said.
A total of 337 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since its eruption last June 3.
A ground deformation was also observed.
Sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may also occur, Phivolcs said.
Residents in nearby local government units such as Negros Occidental’s Moises Padilla and La Carlota City, as well as Negros Oriental’s Canlaon City, are being urged to take precautions, as sulfuric fumes have already been detected in these locations.
“Prolonged exposure to volcanic SO2, especially in communities within direct reach of accumulation of plumes during low wind conditions, can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract,” the agency said.
Phivolcs encourages residents in affected areas to use N95 face masks, stay indoors, shut doors and windows, drink plenty of water, seek medical help if needed, and be vigilant against possible volcanic eruptions.
The agency also recommended that local government units around Kanlaon prepare contingency plans due to the continuous unrest.
300 residents evacuated
Around 300 residents from villages near Kanlaon Volcano in Canlaon City have evacuated amid the volcano’s increased seismic activity.
As of yesterday morning, 92 families, or 301 residents, were now in evacuation centers, while some were staying with relatives, Edna Lhou Masicampo, Canlaon City information officer-designate, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency yesterday.
The evacuees were from Barangays Masulog, Pula, Malaiba, and Lumapao, which are within Kanlaon’s four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone.
Meanwhile, La Carlota Mayor Rex Jalando-on ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in public schools in Barangays Ara-al, Haguimit, San Miguel, and Yubo yesterday.
The class suspension was due to the elevated level of volcanic SO2 flux discharged by Kanlaon, as of Tuesday, September 10, the City Public Information Office said. / With reports from PNA / JB, WDJ