• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island emitted ash twice yesterday, according to a report of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The ash emission events generated superheated and grayish plumes that rose 150 meters above the crater, with continuous degassing and occasional ash emissions drifting southwest.
Seismic activity remains notable, with 12 volcanic earthquakes recorded, including one volcanic tremor lasting approximately five minutes, with a sulfur dioxide flux of 2,302 tons on Jan. 18.
Ground deformation measurements indicate that the volcano’s edifice is inflated, the Philvolcs report said.
Data from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) showed a slight decrease in the total number of families and persons inside the evacuation centers to 5,678 families, composed of 18,245 persons, from 5,774 families, comprising 18,256 individuals, as of Jan. 18.
La Castellana town in Negros Occidental is in need of food packs, chlorinator, aqua tabs, wash kits, hygiene and first aid kits, portalets, bathing facility, folding beds, kitchen sets, sleeping kits, rolls/sakoline tarps, modular tents, beddings and face masks while the tent cities need ground cover or sleeping mats, according to the OCD.
Canlaon City in Negros Oriental also needs patient transport vehicle, burner with tanks, solar lights, folding beds, blankets, pillows, plastic pallets, foams and its cover for use by the evacuees, it added.
Mt. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, a status in effect since its eruption on Dec. 9 last year.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the volcano, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno reassured the public that the government is prepared to respond effectively and provide essential support to the evacuees. | GB
