ILOILO City – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued an advisory on January 11, reporting increased ground deformation in the volcano, particularly swelling on its eastern side and a sharp rise in pressure within its upper portions.
Task Force Kanlaon therefore heightened its monitoring and initiated immediate preparedness measures, including evacuation plans, for areas identified within the Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDC) Hazard Map.
The affected areas include Canlaon City, La Castellana, Bago City, La Carlota City, San Carlos City, Murcia, and Moises Padilla.
“Ground deformation monitoring by the Kanlaon Volcano Network (KVN) has recorded a pronounced inflation or swelling of the middle to upper portion of the eastern edifice since yesterday evening,” stated Phivolcs.
Electronic tilt data from the Upper Pantao Observation Station showed a sharp increase in inflationary tilt at 7:20 p.m. on January 10, indicating sudden pressurization in the volcano’s upper sections.
Phivolcs also reported similar ground deformation parameters to those observed before the December 9, 2024, eruption, which was preceded by a significant drop in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions.
SO2 measurements averaged 5,763 tonnes/day on January 10 but recorded a sharp decrease to 2,029 tonnes/day on January 9. These indicators suggest pressurization in the shallow magma conduit that could lead to an eruption akin to the December event.
Immediate Safety Measures Enforced
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 director Raul E. Fernandez emphasized the serious threat posed by potential volcanic hazards, including pyroclastic density currents, ashfall, lava flows, and ballistic projectiles.
“Residents within the six-kilometer extended danger zone must remain evacuated to ensure safety,” Fernandez said, urging strict enforcement of access restrictions by local authorities.
Task Force Kanlaon has directed local government units (LGUs) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Councils to maintain heightened alert status, ensure evacuation plans are ready, and deploy evacuation teams and vehicles on standby. The order also warned communities near the volcano’s southern flanks to stay vigilant for lahars during heavy rainfall.
Civil aviation authorities have been instructed to advise pilots to avoid the summit area due to the dangers posed by volcanic ash.
National Authorities Appeal for Cooperation
Office of Civil Defense administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno appealed to affected residents, particularly in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, to heed official warnings.
“Lives are far more important than properties and livelihood,” Nepomuceno stressed.
He urged communities, including those outside the six-kilometer extended danger zone, to evacuate immediately and prepare for the worst-case scenario.
“No responders will attempt to enter the danger zones for rescue operations in the event of an eruption,” Nepomuceno warned, emphasizing the critical need for early evacuation.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and cooperate fully with authorities to avoid casualties. Task Force Kanlaon remains on high alert as it monitors the situation closely./PN
