Residents near Mt. Kanlaon on edge due to danger signs from volcano

There is a higher chance that Alert Level 3 will be raised over Kanlaon Volcano following an increase in sulfur emission, according to the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory on Thursday.

In Aileen Pedreso’s report in 24 Oras, PHIVOLCS said the emitted sulfur dioxide climbed from nearly 10,000 tons on Wednesday to 11,000 tons today.

"Ang atin sulfur emission, ito ang pinakataas na na record natin. Pwede siyang mag-elevate into Alert Level 3 nga scenario. Pwede tayo mag expect na may magmatic inclusion na sa atin bulkan,” said engineer Mari Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory.

(We have recorded the highest sulfur emission so far. This could elevate into an Alert Level 3 scenario. We can expect a magmatic inclusion from the volcano.)

Once the Kanlaon Volcano is at Alert Level 3, the permanent danger will be expanded from the current four kilometers to six. 

“Any time pwede magkaroon ng eruption which is dangerous siya sa mga tao na malapit sa bulkan,” Quintia said.

(There could be an eruption at any time, which is dangerous to the people residing near the volcano.)

Classes in all levels remain suspended in nearby La Castellana and some barangays in La Carlota City.

Some residents of Barangay Biaknabato expressed concern over the threat of lahar flow as some areas in La Castellana are experiencing rainfall.

“Siyempre nag-rattle rin kami. Hanggang dyan lang naman ang lahar, dyan sa kanal. Naghahanda kami ng bota, mga gamot, tubig,” resident Grace Tenifere.

(Of course, we are rattled. Although the lahar only reached the canal, qe are preparing boots, medicines, and water.) 

“Maghihintay tayo sa advice ng PHIVOLCS kung ano ang gagawin. Ang ikinatatakot namin kasi umuulan,” La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan said.

(We will wait for PHIVOLCS’ advice on what we should do. What we are worried about is the rain.)

Some residents of Barangay Biaknabato near the volcano were advised to evacuate.

“Baka mangyari nandun pa sila sa taas, mahirap silang kunin. Ayokong mangyari na mag erupt nandun pa sila,” Binaknabato Barangay Captain Joselito Martinez Jr. said.

(If they remain there, it will be difficult to reach them. I don’t want a situation if the volcano erupts they are still there.)

Meanwhile, in Barangay Masulog, at least 400 residents have sought shelter in the evacuation center.
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News