The Office of the Civil Defense urged the Local Governments to prepare for worst-case scenarios as Kanlaon continues to show unpredictable activity.
Mariton Antonia Bornas, chief of the Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), recently issued a stark warning regarding the ongoing magmatic unrest at Kanlaon Volcano, the Civil Defense said.
Bornas noted that the volcano has exhibited heightened activity since its last eruption on December 9, 2022, prompting a state of caution in the surrounding region.
“We have entered a period of magmatic unrest following the December eruption, as evidenced by the new magma content in the ash and persistent ash venting,” Bornas stated. She highlighted that the slow progression of this unrest suggests that the community could face days to months of uncertainty before any explosive or effusive eruptions occur.
Based on monitoring data from December 30 it indicates a significant release of sulfur dioxide (SO2), with levels recorded at 7,079 tons per day, the Civil Defense added.
As a result, PHIVOLCS has maintained Alert Level 3 for the area, indicating the potential for a more substantial eruption.
Bornas said the bureau have no handle on timelines. It is the volcano that determines this, she stressed.
She emphasized that this uncertainty underscores the critical need for local government units (LGUs) to develop comprehensive preparedness plans.
According to Bornas, “As far as we can see from the data, Kanlaon is preparing to erupt. But when, how, how long, and how large—it is uncertain.”
She urged local authorities to implement contingency plans, stating, “They should have been prepared a long time ago.” This proactive approach is essential as scientists continue to monitor the situation and provide updates based on evolving data.
As the community remains vigilant, PHIVOLCS’s message is clear: preparedness is vital in the face of nature’s unpredictability. Local governments are encouraged to take immediate action to safeguard residents and ensure readiness for any potential developments related to Kanlaon Volcano’s activity.
