• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that short-lived explosive eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano are possible, following its eruption on May 13.
Local government units within the hazard zone were warned by Phivolcs to prepare in case Mt. Kanlaon’s restiveness escalates.
Communities within the 6-kilometer extended danger zone have been strongly advised by Phivolcs to remain evacuated due to the dangers posed by PDCs, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, ashfall, and other related hazards from similar explosive eruptions, Phivolcs stated in a report following the May 13 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
Since June 3, 2024 up to May 16 this year, Phivolcs recorded 5,033 volcanic earthquakes.
But as of this time, Phivolcs said there is no pronounced increase in volcanic quake and ground deformation activity, and only within average increase in volcanic sulfur dioxide emission and degassing.
Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano.
Despite relatively stable monitoring data, Phivolcs cautioned that further short-lived explosive eruptions could still occur.
There also remains a possibility of the activity escalating into lava flows or lava fountaining if there are sudden changes in monitoring parameters.
Phivolcs also those who are living within the valleys and along the river and stream channels, especially on the southern slope edifice of Kanlaon Volcano, or affected by the post-eruption lahars should be vigilant in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall, since loose ash or pyroclastic materials deposited in the upper slopes could be easily eroded to form sediment-laden streamflow and lahars. | GB
