In response to the latest Kanlaon Volcano advisory issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the Office of Civil Defense Region VI (OCD6) Director and TF Kanlaon Commander Raul E. Fernandez has called for heightened monitoring and immediate preparedness for evacuation in areas identified within the Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDC) Hazard Map.
These areas at risk for PDC include Canlaon City, La Castellana, Bago City, La Carlota City, San Carlos City, Murcia and Moises Padilla.
In it’s 2PM advisory, PHIVOLCS said ground deformation monitoring by the Kanlaon Volcano Network (KVN) has been recording a pronounced inflation or swelling of the middle to upper portion of the eastern edifice since yesterday evening, January 10.
PHIVOLCS added that electronic tilt recorded by the Upper Pantao Observation station (VKUP) at 1,056 m elevation on the eastern flank of the volcano showed an abrupt and sharp increase in inflationary tilt since 7:20 PM yesterday, indicating a sudden pressurization within the upper portions of the edifice.
Campaign SO2 measurements yesterday, averaged 5,763 tonnes/day, close to average emissions since the 3 June 2024 eruption, but a significant drop to 2,029 tonnes/day was recorded on the previous day, January 9. The overall parameters may indicate that the shalllow magma conduit of the volcano is undergoing pressurization that may lead to an eruption broadly similar to the 9 December 2024 event, PHIVOLCS emphasized.
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 due to ongoing magmatic unrest.
Residents within the 6m extended danger zone must remain evacuated to ensure safety. Local authorities are tasked with enforcing strict access restrictions.
Local Government Units (LGUs) and DRRM Councils must conduct continuous monitoring and prepare for the potential escalation of volcanic activity. Ensure evacuation plans are in place and ready for implementation. Maintain heightened alert with evacuation teams and vehicles on standby.
Affected communities must be alert to heavy rainfall that could trigger lahars or sediment-laden streamflows, especially in areas near the southern flanks of the volcano.
Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid the summit area as volcanic ash can endanger aircraft.
Fernandez emphasizes the urgency of these measures and calls on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety of affected communities. Residents are urged to stay informed through official updates and cooperate fully with authorities.
