By JEN BAYLON

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reminded Negrenses, especially those living inside Kanlaon Volcano’s danger zone, to remain vigilant as the volcano remains restless.

“With Kanlaon Volcano being an active threat to the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, it is essential that both the authorities and the public understand the risks involved and the necessary measures to take in the event of an eruption,” Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said.

“We are issuing regular advisories to the public,” he added.

Bacolcol said that while Kanlaon is being closely monitored, there is no way to determine exactly when it will erupt.

An eruption could occur if all sides of the volcano are inflated and earthquakes are very closely spaced, he said.

Currently, inflation is only on Kanlaon’s eastern side, but the continuing restlessness is the reason the alert level cannot be lowered to Level 2.

The parameters indicating the volcano’s condition remain at Alert Level 3, with continuous recording of volcanic earthquakes, sulfur dioxide flux, plume activity, and ground deformation.

“We will only raise the alert level if Kanlaon shows the volcanic quakes are consecutive, if their instruments record inflation. That is now only on the eastern side of the volcano,” Bacolcol said.

Alert Level 4 could be raised if volcanic quakes are recorded in succession.

Bacolcol also stressed the importance of strictly enforcing the six-kilometer danger zone to prevent significant damage and allow for evacuation in the event of an eruption./JB, WDJ