BACOLOD City – The local government unit (LGU) of La Castellana in Negros Occidental suspended classes in all levels of private and public schools yesterday, September 10, due to the increasing seismic activity of Kanlaon Volcano.
Executive Order No. 2024-032 signed yesterday by Mayor Alme Rhummyla Mangilimutan cited the 11 a.m. advisory released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) stating an increase in seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano, with the risk of possible eruption that could endanger lives and properties.
For his part, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government was coordinating with La Castellana LGU and ready to extend help anytime.
According to Phivolcs, a total of 288 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes have been recorded by the Kanlaon Volcano Network since 8:30 p.m. of September 9.
The events were generated between 0 to 9 kilometers depths beneath the north-eastern flanks of the volcanic edifice and the strongest events were felt at intensity II in some barangays of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
“Rumbling sounds were reported by some residents of Bago City. Strong sulfur fumes have been reported in a few barangays in the cities of Bago and La Carlota in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City,” the advisory added.
VT earthquakes, Phivolcs said, are generated by rock fracturing processes and the increase in VT activity strongly indicates progressive rock-fracturing beneath the volcano as rising magma drives a path towards the surface.
The Phivolcs further reminded the public that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) prevails over Kanlaon, but that current seismic activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the alert Level. The public is strongly advised to be ready and vigilant, and to avoid entry into the four kilometer-radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and others.
Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.
Moreover, communities living beside river systems on the southern and western slopes, especially those that have already experienced lahars and muddy streamflows, are advised to take precautionary measures when heavy rainfall over the volcano has been forecast or has begun, the advisory added.
As of this writing, Phivolcs maintained close monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano and any new development will be immediately communicated to all concerned stakeholders./PN
