By JEN BAYLON
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) clarified that the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano early morning on Tuesday, May 13, was not considered a worst-case scenario.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol described the recent eruption as moderate, lasting approximately five minutes.
Bacolcol said it was significantly shorter and less intense than the previous eruption on April 8, which lasted 56 minutes.
Kanlaon spewed an ash plume rising about 4.5 kilometers into the sky and drifting southwest at 2:55 a.m. on Tuesday.
The eruption also generated pyroclastic density currents flowing two kilometers down the southern slopes, accompanied by large volcanic fragments falling near the crater and igniting vegetation.
Phivolcs reported the eruption caused thin ashfall and a strong sulfur smell in La Carlota City’s Barangay Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, and Ara-al; Bago City’s Barangay Ilijan and Binubuhan; and La Castellana town’s Barangay Biak na Bato, Sag-ang and Mansalanao.
Ashfall also reached San Carlos City, as well as the towns of Hinigaran, Murcia, San Enrique, Pontevedra, and other localities, affecting more than 24 barangays in some cities.
Volcanic ash mixed with rain reached capital Bacolod City, impacting at least 10 barangays, such as Alijis, Mansilingan, Singcang-Airport, Taculing, Tangub, Villamonte, Vista Alegre, 9, 21, and 33.
The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office urged residents to limit outdoor exposure, wear face masks or damp cloths, keep windows and doors closed, and cover water sources to minimize health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
Authorities immediately distributed face masks, conducted water flushing, and monitored rivers and waterways for possible lahar flow.
Residents were advised to exercise caution due to ash inhalation risks, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions.
The six-kilometer permanent danger zone around Kanlaon remains off-limits, with residents and aircraft strictly prohibited from entering due to the risk of pyroclastic density currents, ashfall and rockfall.
Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 3 over Kanlaon, indicating ongoing magmatic unrest and the potential for further short-lived, moderately explosive eruptions.
Authorities remain on alert for possible lahar flows, especially with the forecast of heavy rains, and continue to monitor the volcano closely.
Meanwhile, the minor eruption forced the cancellation of multiple flights in and out of the Bacolod-Silay Airport.
Local airlines suspended all flights to and from Bacolod but later resumed select flights as conditions improved.
The disruptions affected thousands of travelers and caused significant delays in the region.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and airline operators advised passengers to monitor flight updates and provided options for rebooking or refunds./JB, WDJ