Bacolod City – Another ash emission which lasted 58 minutes was recorded at Kanlaon Volcano by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
In an advisory issued on March 13, PHIVOLCS also reported the occurrence of 21 volcanic earthquakes from 12 a.m. of March 12 to 12 a.m. of March 13, with a sulfur dioxide flux of 2,930 tons on March 12.
At present, Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano.
The eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on December 9 last year, led to the displacement of 4,319 families who are now staying inside and outside of evacuation centers, according to records of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Anticipating a worst case scenario, the affected local government units have already submitted their respective contingency plans to the Office of Civil Defense, in connection with the evacuation of their respective constituents.
Meanwhile, Mayor Raymund Tongson wants an additional 400 tents for the Himamaylan tent city, to accommodate more evacuees in case Kanlaon Volcano erupts again.
The declaration of Alert Level 4, if the volcano erupts, would mean an extension of the permanent danger zone up to 10 kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Tongson reported that only 300 of the 390 family tents sent by the Office of Civil Defense were installed at the nine-hectare tent city in Himamaylan.
Based on his discussion with La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, he said it is easier and more comfortable if one evacuated family will occupy only one tent.
It is also ideal that evacuees should also come from one barangay if the Alert Level of Kanlaon volcano is raised to Alert Level 4, Tongson added.
La Castellana, which has the majority of its barangays situated at the foot of Kanlaon Volcano, is projected to be the worst hit local government unit, if the volcano erupts.
Aside from the towns of Murcia and La Castellana, the cities of Bago, La Carlota, and San Carlos in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental all surround the volcano. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)