Kanlaon Volcano’s alert level was raised to 3 (magmatic unrest) yesterday, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned it could generate lahar.

“Precautionary measures should be in place because if there’s rainfall, our concern is that the volcano would generate lahar,” Phivolcs Deputy Director Mylene Villegas said in a press conference.

“They [public] should always be ready and follow instructions of their LGUs [local government units],” said Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol.

An explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano at 3:03 p.m., resulting in a voluminous plume that rose three kilometers high.

The eruption lasted for three minutes and 55 seconds, and there was no precursory seismicity before the eruption.

Villegas said similar short-lived eruptions may occur in a short period within the six-kilometer radius on the summit.

Phivolcs, thereby advised that evacuation of the six-kilometer radius should be mandatory.

There were ashfall reports in Bago City, as well as in Murcia and La Carlota City, all in Negros Occidental.

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), which Villegas described as the most dangerous volcanic hazard, descended the slopes on the general southeastern edifice. The PDC descended towards the municipality of La Castellana, also in Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide emissions yesterday averaged 4,638 tons. The last recorded high emission in Kanlaon was 11,556 tons last September 11.

Aviation authorities are advised to warn pilots to avoid flying close to the Kanlaon summit. (PNA)