PHIVOLCS: Lahar flow from Kanlaon hit nearby communities

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Friday said thunderstorms over portions of Mt. Kanlaon on Friday afternoon caused lahar to flow on the southern and western slopes at around 2:50 p.m.

The seismic record indicated that the lahar flow lasted for 80 minutes, according to an advisory.

A total of 28.22 mm of rain over a 3.33-hour period was also recorded by the All-Weather Station of the Manghumay, Mailum, Bago City Observation Station (VKMH) of the KVN. Higher rainfall volumes may have likely occurred around the summit area of the volcano.

“Lahars can threaten communities along the middle and lower slopes with inundation, burial and wash out. PHIVOLCS thus strongly recommends increased vigilance and readiness of communities along rivers draining southern Kanlaon,” the advisory read.

Affected communities and local governments were advised to monitor the weather and take precautionary measures for heavy rains and lahars for safety.

In an earlier advisory, PHIVOLCS also advised residents against drinking water sourced from the volcano.

Kanlaon currently remains on Alert Level 2, and was recorded to have emitted plumes of up to 2,000-meters tall and at least 14 volcanic earthquakes on Friday.

Affected local government units and concerned agencies prepare precautionary measures in case the alert climbs to Level 3. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News