By JEN BAYLON
Ashfall and distinct sulfuric odors were experienced in areas surrounding Kanlaon Volcano as four ashing events were emitted by the volcano yesterday.
The occurrence of ashfall from Kanlaon was experienced in La Carlota City’s Barangay Ara-al and La Castellana’s Barangay Sag-ang, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in an advisory.
Meanwhile, the sulfuric smell was reported in several barangays in La Castellana, including Mansalanao, Cabagnaan, Sag-ang, and Camandag.
Additionally, residents from Barangays Ilijan, Ma-ao and Mailum in Bago City also noted the presence of sulfuric odors.
“Ash emissions at the summit crater of Kanlaon occurred at 5:57 a.m. to 6:14 a.m., 7:59 a.m. to 10:01 a.m., 10:28 a.m. to 10:41 a.m., and 11:40 a.m. to 12:24 p.m. yesterday,” Phivolcs said.
“These events generated grayish plumes that rose 300 to 500 meters above the crater before drifting to the general southwest as recorded at Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in Negros Oriental’s Canlaon City,” it added.
On Monday, March 31, ash plumes, averaging 2,758 tons a day, reached an impressive height of 1,500 meters.
Inflation in the volcano’s edifice has been observed.
Phivolcs also recorded 23 volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon, including a seven-minute volcanic tremor.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol emphasized that such emissions are part of the ongoing volcanic activity being closely monitored by the agency.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, indicating heightened unrest and potential short-lived explosions, which may cause pyroclastic density currents within the six-kilometer extended danger zone.
Residents near the volcano are advised to take necessary precautions and adhere to safety measures issued by local authorities due to the threats of lava flows, rockfalls and lahar and sediment-laden stream flows should heavy rains occur during an eruptive unrest.
The public is advised to stay away from Kanlaon’s permanent danger zone and recommends evacuation of residents located within six kilometers from the volcano’s crater.
This latest activity is part of Kanlaon’s prolonged eruptive phase that started in June 2024.
The volcano had an explosive eruption on December 9, 2024, which prompted Phivolcs to raise its status to Alert Level 3.
The eruption has caused significant disruptions and damage to communities in Negros Island over the past months./JB, WDJ