Authorities Brace for Possible Escalation of Mt. Kanlaon Activity
Authorities in the Western Visayas region are on high alert and actively preparing for a potential escalation in activity at Mt. Kanlaon, following recent eruptions recorded on December 23rd. While no further volcanic activity was observed on December 25th, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 6 is taking a proactive approach in coordination with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (phivolcs).
Phivolcs has outlined three possible scenarios: a lava flow, a violent eruption, or a plateauing of volcanic activity. Based on observations and comparisons with other active volcanoes in the Philippines, OCD 6 Director Raul Fernandez believes that the december 23rd eruptions would likely result in a lava flow. “On the side of OCD, we are preparing for heightened alert level, and the advice of Phivolcs was we maintain at Alert Level 3. There is an ongoing readiness in Himamaylan City,where we establish a tent city,in case the alert level escalates,” Fernandez said.
Tent cities are also being prepared in the Negros Oriental municipalities of Vallehermoso and Guihulngan City. While the threat of lahars is currently considered low,authorities remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality. “We will just wait for the advice from Phivolcs, which closely monitors the activity of the volcano. Currently, we are on status quo becuase, based on their analysis, the threat of lahar is not that much since the volume of materials to become a lahar is not along the waterways. It’s not that alarming, but we are preparing,” Fernandez added.
The Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell has been meeting daily over the past two weeks to address the ongoing situation. Relief efforts are also underway, with the OCD-6 assuring sufficient relief goods and the Philippine Red Cross providing hot meals to families in evacuation centers.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has reported the disbursement of over PHP36.19 million in humanitarian assistance to affected families, including contributions from local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations. As of December 25th, 2,680 families are registered in evacuation centers, while another 1,543 have sought temporary shelter with relatives.
## Interview: Kanlaon Volcano Alert
Good evening and welcome back. Tonight, we’re discussing the heightened activity at Mount Kanlaon and the preparations underway in the Western Visayas region. Joining us to provide insight is Dr. Teresito Bacolcol,Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Dr. Bacolcol, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. Bacolcol:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Archyde:** Let’s start with the recent ash emissions observed at Kanlaon. What triggered these, and what does it tell us about the volcano’s current state? [[1](https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/12/23/2409380/dark-ash-emissions-observed-kanlaon-volcano)]
**Dr. Bacolcol:** as reported by the Philippine Star, we observed dark ash emissions earlier this week. this was caused by a gas-driven explosion at Kanlaon’s crater.While these explosions are not unusual for an active volcano, the intensity and frequency can indicate a potential for escalation in activity.
**Archyde:** So, this escalation is what authorities are preparing for? what specific measures are being taken?
**Dr. Bacolcol:** Absolutely. We are closely monitoring the situation at Kanlaon and have increased our alert level. Local authorities are working diligently to prepare communities in the vicinity of the volcano.This includes evacuation drills,establishing emergency shelters,and disseminating information about potential volcanic hazards.
**Archyde:** What can people living near Kanlaon expect in the coming days and weeks? Should thay be worried?
**Dr. Bacolcol:** It is vital to remain calm but vigilant.People living in the vicinity should stay informed about the volcano’s activity through official channels like Phivolcs and local disaster risk reduction offices. We strongly encourage residents to prepare an emergency kit and follow evacuation orders, if issued.
**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing this important information, Dr. Bacolcol.
**Dr.Bacolcol:** You’re welcome. We are committed to keeping the public informed and ensuring their safety.
**Archyde:** That’s all the time we have for tonight. Remember, for the latest updates on Mount Kanlaon, please visit the Phivolcs website and stay tuned to your local news sources.
## Interview: Preparing for Potential Mt. Kanlaon Escalation
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today, we’re discussing the ongoing volcanic activity at Mt. Kanlaon in Western Visayas.Joining us is OCD 6 Director Raul fernandez, who has been leading the region’s preparedness efforts. Director Fernandez, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
**Director Fernandez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Director, as we know, Mt. Kanlaon erupted on December 23rd. Can you tell us what the current situation is and what your team is doing to prepare for a potential escalation?
**Director Fernandez:** Right now, Mt. Kanlaon remains at Alert Level 3. This means there is a heightened possibility of a lava flow eruption.Even tho there haven’t been further eruptions since the 23rd, Phivolcs, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, is closely monitoring the situation. We at OCD 6 are working closely with them and are prepared for a number of scenarios.
**Host:** what specific measures are being taken in anticipation of a possible lava flow?
**Director Fernandez:** We are establishing temporary tent cities in himamaylan City, Vallehermoso, and Guihulngan City. these will provide safe shelter for families who may need to evacuate if the situation worsens. We are also stockpiling relief goods and coordinating with the Philippine red Cross to ensure that affected families have access to food, water, and other necessary supplies.
**Host:** The article mentions a “low threat” of lahars. Can you elaborate on that?
**Director Fernandez:** While the threat of lahars is currently low, we remain vigilant. Phivolcs is continuously analyzing volcanic activity and water movements around the mountain. Currently, the volume of materials at risk of becoming lahars is not situated near major waterways, but we are constantly evaluating the situation and will adjust our preparedness plans accordingly.
**Host:** How are local communities responding to these developments?
**Director Fernandez:** We are seeing a tremendous amount of cooperation from local government units and residents. They understand the importance of being prepared. The Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating cell has been meeting daily for the past two weeks to ensure a coordinated response.
**host:** Director Fernandez, how can people stay informed and safe during this time?
**Director Fernandez:** The most important thing is to stay informed by listening to alerts from Phivolcs and local authorities. We encourage everyone to follow evacuation orders if issued and to have an emergency plan in place with their families.
**Host:** Director Fernandez, thank you for providing us with this update.we appreciate your dedication to ensuring the safety of the people in Western Visayas.
**Director Fernandez:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe, everyone.
