ILOILO City – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 is advising residents near Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island to prepare for potential volcanic activities following a spike in seismic activity.
Director Raul Fernandez issued the warning in response to an advisory from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which noted increased volcanic tremors since Monday night.
He emphasized compliance with evacuation orders if necessary.
PHIVOLCS reported 288 volcano-tectonic earthquakes since 8 p.m. on September 9, indicating that magma is potentially moving towards the surface.
These events, occurring at depths of zero to nine kilometers beneath the volcano’s northeastern flanks, have prompted the institution to maintain Alert Level 2 over Kanlaon, signalling increasing unrest that may lead to eruption.
Kanlaon is an active stratovolcano and the highest mountain on the island of Negros, as well as the highest peak in the Visayas, with an elevation of 2,465 meters (8,087 feet) above sea level.
Just this June, it erupted for some six minutes based on the seismic record and was preceded by a relatively strong volcano-tectonic earthquake.
The other day, residents within the four-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), have been instructed to avoid entry and be vigilant.
In Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and nearby cities in Negros Occidental such as Bago and La Carlota, rumbling sounds and strong sulfur fumes have been reported.
Communities have also been advised to prepare for ash fall and to take precautionary measures against lahars and muddy streamflows, especially after heavy rainfall.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) in nearby areas including La Castellana, Bago City, Moises Padilla, Murcia, and San Carlos City in Negros Occidental have been directed to activate their Incident Management Teams.
These preparations come in the wake of a simulated emergency response exercise held on September 3 at Citadines Hotel in Bacolod City, aiming to enhance coordination and readiness among local government units and key response agencies.
The exercise, evaluated by disaster management experts, focused on escalating the alert level for Mount Kanlaon from Alert Level 2 to Levels 3 and 4.
As part of the drill, OCD-6 distributed demarcation flags to LGUs to mark the 4-km PDZ around the crater, reinforcing measures to safeguard communities from volcanic hazards.
In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask.
Kanlaon Volcano is approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Bacolod City, the capital and most populous city of Negros Occidental and whole island.
It is a favorite spot for mountain climbers and is the centerpiece of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park, a national park originally established on August 8, 1934./PN
