Communities near the Kanlaon Volcano must remain vigilant and heed guidance from authorities, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said yesterday.

“Communities are advised to remain vigilant and to follow the guidance of Phivolcs and their respective LGU [local government unit] disaster risk reduction offices,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

“Residents should be prepared for possible evacuation, if necessary, especially in the event of an escalation in volcanic activity,” he added.

Kanlaon is still under Alert Level 3, which means it is in a relatively high level of unrest and there is a possibility of further explosive activity.

In the past 24 hours, the volcano has generated 16 volcanic earthquakes.

Sulfur dioxide emissions were measured at 1,170 tons on Tuesday, April 15, which is still above background levels.

There were two ash emission events, generating plumes that reached up to 200 meters high.

“We strongly remind communities near Kanlaon Volcano to avoid entering the six-kilometer danger zone due to the risk of sudden explosions,” Bacolcol said.

In case of ash fall, he said residents are advised to wear face masks to avoid inhaling fine ash particles, which can cause respiratory irritation. (PNA)