• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday, Dec. 18, issued a warning of potential lahars and sediment-laden streamflows, which may occur along the Tamburong Creek in Brgy. Biak Na Bato, Baji Baji Falls, and Talaptaan Creek in Brgy. Cabacungan, all in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Heavy to intense rainfall brought about by the shearline and Tropical Depression Querubin may trigger the flow of lahar, the Phivolcs said.
Citing the advisory issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Phivolcs has strongly recommended increased vigilance and readiness of communities in predetermined zones of lahar and related hazards on Kanlaon Volcano.
The Office of the Civil Defense earlier said that potential lahar hazard flow may endanger 644,487 residents in Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, San Enrique, Valladolid, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Castellana, Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
Prolonged and heavy rainfall may generate post-eruption lahars on major channels draining Kanlaon Volcano by incorporating loose materials from remnant pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits of the December 9 explosive eruption, Phivolcs said.
It added that post-eruption lahars similar to those in June 5 can affect these areas and communities downstream of these creeks.
Phivolcs also said the 13 areas are likely to be affected by the lahar flow from the estimated three million tons of ash deposits from the recent volcanic eruption, which is three times greater than the one million tons of ash recorded during the June 3 eruption.
In the past 24 hours, Phivolcs logged 26 volcanic quakes and the emission of 4,555 tons of sulfur dioxide. | GB
