• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on April 8 is not yet the bigger one being anticipated, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Science and research analyst Ferly Sianson, who is based at the Phivolcs La Carlota City Station, described the latest activity of Kanlaon Volcano as a minor explosive eruption.
Two minor explosive eruptions also took place at Mt. Kanlaon on June 3 and December 9 last year.
While they expect a bigger eruption, Sianson said they cannot determine when it would happen.
“As of now, we are still in Alert Level 3 status,” she added.
On Tuesday, the explosive eruption started at 5:51 a.m., producing a voluminous bent plume approximately 4,000 meters tall that drifted southwest.
Pyroclastic density currents also descended the slopes on the general southern edifice of Kanlaon Volcano.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Negros Occidental reported light to heavy ashfall in 60 barangays across La Carlota City, Bago City, La Castellana, Pontevedra, San Enrique and Hinigaran.
Sulfuric smell was also reported in four barangays of Bago City and La Castellana, the report added.
Grassfire was monitored at the eastern upper slopes of Kanlaon Volcano ignited by superheated ballistic fragments that were thrown out from the crater by the explosive eruption.
Classes in all levels were also suspended in cities of La Carlota and Bago as well as in the towns of La Castellana, Pontevedra and Isabela.
Dr. Junnie Martin Torrefranca, disaster risk reduction management officer in La Carlota City, reported that rationing of drinking water is now ongoing in several barangays, especially in Yubo and San Miguel, being carried out by the local government in tandem with the Bureau of Fire and Protection.
Twelve of the 14 La Carlota City barangays, including Araal, Yubo, San Miguel, Haguimit, La Granja, Cubay, Nagasi, Balabag, RSB and Poblacions 1, 2 and 3, were affected by the ashfall.
Work in government offices in La Carlota City were also suspended as Torrefranca encouraged the private sector to do so in support to public safety.
Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan prohibited the entry of La Castellana residents, even during the allowable 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. window time, to the extended six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
With Bacolod City unaffected by the ashfall, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said they are ready to assist localities that may be affected by the eruption. | GB
