• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The minor explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Friday night caused ashfall and sulfuric odor that hit 15 barangays of eight local government units in Negros Island.
Ashfall or sulfuric odor were experienced by residents in Mailum, Ma-ao, Ilijan, Bacong, Abuanan, Tabunan and Dulao in Bago City, Araal in La Carlota City, Codcod in San Carlos City, Punta Taytay in Bacolod City, Cabagna-an in La Castellana, Zamora in Pontevedra and Minoyan in Murcia, all in Negros Occidental, as well as in Lumapao and Linuthangan in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
It was the fifth eruption since June 3, 2024.
Lasting for three minutes, it emitted a plume that rose about 2,000 meters from the crater.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) observed pyroclastic density currents to have been flowing down the southern upper slopes, within one kilometer of the summit crater.
Phivolcs also monitored three ash emissions and seven volcanic quakes on Saturday, with events generating grayish plumes that rose up to 300 meters.
In a report, Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region Director Donato Sermeno III said there was no pronounced increase in volcanic earthquakes and ground deformation parameters that have followed the eruption as of this time.
No preemptive evacuation has been advised as Alert Level 2 has been maintained by Phivolcs, Sermeno said.
Still, the recent explosive eruption maybe followed by further moderate intensity activity such as ash emission events or similar short-lived explosive eruptions, he added.
Such eruptions could produce dangerous volcanic hazards within the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone, disperse ash over the general west of the volcano, and produce material that could feed lahars in affected drainage canals.
Eighty families composed of 284 persons, who are residing within the four-kilometer danger zone, have remained in six evacuation centers since the explosive eruption in December last year.
Mailum village chief Melchor Sayco said they need potable water, as the spring, which is their major water source, has been contaminated by the ashfall.
Previous Kanlaon Volcano eruptions were recorded on June 3 and Dec. 9 last year as well as on Feb. 6 and May 13 this year. | GB
