Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson advised residents to be ready for the “culminating activity” of Kanlaon Volcano, while he hopes that it will not be disastrous.
This comes after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that a continuous rise of magma at Kanlaon has moved to less than five kilometers near the crater.
Lacson, citing the Phivolcs, said the culminating activity at Kanlaon will occur before it calms down.
The governor said one of the volcanic activities could be lava flow, or a major eruption, which is more dangerous.
If a major eruption happens, an immediate evacuation will be needed, Lacson said.
“There is no other choice,” he added.
He reiterated his earlier call on Negrenses to keep on praying that the volcanic activity returns to normal.
Earlier, Phivolcs said a swift rise of the magma caused by a blocked conduit could lead to a strong eruption at the volcano.
As the magma nears its crater, it becomes swollen — an indication that magma is accumulating near the crater, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.
The eastern side of Kanlaon is inflated, and if all sides inflate, it would mean a continuous rise of the magma, he added.
Bacolcol said this could lead to Kanlaon being placed under Alert Level 4, with the danger zone extended to 10 kilometers.
Kanlaon still remains at Alert Level 3.
On Monday, February 10, Kanlaon had nine volcanic quakes and spewed 4,150 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions which drifted west and southwest.
220 tents set up
In anticipation of a potential major eruption of Kanlaon, the Himamaylan City government has swiftly established 220 tents in the proposed tent city, which will serve as temporary shelters for Kanlaon evacuees.
Donato Sermeno III, director of the Office of Civil Defense in Negros Island Region, said the installation of tents is ongoing to provide adequate shelter for those who might need them.
Sermeno emphasized that communication with local government units is crucial for identifying appropriate locations where tents can be erected safely and effectively.
This proactive measure is part of broader efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of internally displaced persons who may be affected by increased volcanic activity.
However, challenges persist in other localities that are likely to be affected by the eruption.
In Negros Oriental’s Vallehermoso town, plans for a similar tent city have been delayed due to difficulties in identifying a suitable location.
Meanwhile, the San Carlos City government in Negros Occidental has stepped forward to assist evacuees from Negros Oriental’s Canlaon City.
The Canlaon City government is seeking a meeting with San Carlos Mayor Renato Gustilo to discuss proposed evacuation sites should Kanlaon experience further eruptions, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Joe Recalex Alingasa said.
The La Castellana municipal government conducted a comprehensive review of its contingency plan yesterday as part of ongoing preparations for any developments related to Kanlaon’s activity.
This strategic move ensures that all necessary measures are in place should an emergency arise./ With Jen Baylon / WDJ