By CESAR JOLITO III

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a strong warning about possible lahars from Kanlaon Volcano due to incoming heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression “Verbena.”

“We urge the public to remain vigilant for any additional ash emissions and monitor rainfall closely, especially those living near the volcano,” Phivolcs Science Research Specialist Pearly Sianson said.

In an advisory, Phivolcs said “Verbena” may bring heavy to intense rainfall over Negros Island today.

Prolonged rainfall may trigger life-threatening lahars, particularly on the southern, western and eastern slopes of Kanlaon.

Sianson cautioned that lahars remain a possible hazard, especially in areas downstream.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said Kanlaon registered two weak ash emissions yesterday morning, with plumes rising about 75 meters above the crater.

The first emission occurred at 5:54 a.m. and lasted six minutes, while the second began at 6:54 a.m. and lasted more than 30 minutes.

The plumes drifted southwest.

Sianson noted that no ashfall was reported in low-lying areas as the emissions were weak, likely affecting only the upper slopes.

Despite heavy rains accompanying the emissions, no lahar flows were monitored yesterday.

She recalled previous incidents where boulders, tree debris and mud cascaded from Kanlaon’s slopes, affecting thousands of residents in central Negros.

Phivolcs highlighted that post-eruption lahars can occur as intense rainfall erodes loose material from Kanlaon’s explosive eruption on October 24, as well as recent ash emissions.

Additionally, non-eruption lahars may develop when weakened slopes affected by Typhoon “Tino” earlier this month fail, sending debris downstream.

Communities along rivers and creeks such as Ibid, Cotcot, Talaptapan, Malaiba, Panubigan, Buhangin-Indurayan, Najalin, Inyawan, Maragandang, Panun-an, Intiguiwan, Camansi, Maao, Tokon-tokon, Masulog, Binalbagan, and Taco in the cities of Bago, La Carlota and San Carlos, and the municipalities of La Castellana and Moises Padilla, as well as Canlaon City in Negros Oriental are particularly at risk.

Phivolcs strongly advised residents to prepare for possible evacuation and avoid traversing affected streams.

Sianson reiterated the importance of staying out of the four-kilometer permanent danger zone, noting risks from sudden explosions, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls and volcanic gases.

Phivolcs continues to monitor Kanlaon closely as authorities prepare for potential lahar and sediment-laden streamflow hazards in the coming days./CJ, WDJ