By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Western Visayas has placed all personnel and rescue vehicles on high alert in preparation for a potential eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental.
“We are taking this seriously. Kanlaon is exhibiting signs similar to its December 9, 2024 eruption,” OCD-Western Visayas Regional Director Raul Fernandez said on Sunday.
Fernandez acknowledged that the exact timing of the eruption remains uncertain but emphasized the need for readiness. “We are preparing because it can happen anytime. We anticipate an explosive eruption,” he added.
While some internally displaced persons (IDPs) or evacuees have returned to their homes with local government unit (LGU) permission, Fernandez said they are allowed back only if they can ensure quick evacuation in case of an eruption.
Residents Urged to Heed Warnings
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno appealed to residents in affected areas, including La Castellana and Canlaon City, to prioritize safety and heed evacuation orders.
“Lives are far more important than properties and livelihood,” Nepomuceno said in a statement posted on OCD-Western Visayas’ social media page.
He urged residents, even those outside the six-kilometer extended danger zone, to evacuate immediately, adding, “We want no casualties in the event of an eruption.”
Nepomuceno stressed that responders would not enter danger zones during an eruption due to safety concerns.
Signs of Imminent Eruption
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert level to 3, indicating magmatic unrest and a heightened risk of sudden explosive eruptions.
Monitoring data from the Kanlaon Volcano Network shows significant ground deformation, with inflation recorded in the eastern edifice since January 10. Electronic Distance Meter (EDM) readings noted southeastern inflation beginning in late December, while the western flank has shown deflation since early January.
These patterns mirror those observed before the December 9 eruption, which caused significant ashfall and evacuations.
Sulfur dioxide emissions have also dropped sharply, from 5,763 tonnes per day to 2,029 tonnes on January 9, indicating changes in the volcano’s magmatic system.
PHIVOLCS advised communities within six kilometers of the summit to evacuate due to risks of pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, ashfall, and lava flows.
Disaster Management Efforts
Local DRRM councils have been advised to monitor weather conditions, as heavy rainfall could trigger lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining the southern flanks of the volcano. Barangays in La Castellana and Canlaon City, previously impacted by pyroclastic density currents and lahars, are especially at risk.
Civil aviation authorities have also been alerted to avoid flights near the volcano due to potential ash clouds that could endanger air traffic.
Fernandez said the OCD central office would manage the sustainability of Tent Cities in Himamaylan City, which are being prepared for evacuees. He noted that data shared during a recent press conference at the provincial capitol outlined the funds required for their maintenance.
Questions on Funding
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson previously questioned the sustainability of Tent Cities, asking where the estimated PHP 15-billion budget for one month would come from. “Is this a commitment from the OCD? Where will the budget come from?” Lacson asked.
Meanwhile, Himamaylan City Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said “decamping” has been suspended. Only those outside the six-kilometer extended danger zone were allowed to return home. At least 622 families from evacuation centers have gone back to their homes.
Nicor-Mangilimutan added that the LGU has identified a relocation site for long-term resettlement of residents affected by the eruption.
As Kanlaon Volcano’s activity continues to escalate, PHIVOLCS and local authorities remain committed to closely monitoring developments and ensuring the safety of affected communities.
