Still reeling from the impact of recent typhoons, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) directed its regional office in Western Visayas (Region 6) to expedite preparations for worst-case scenario in case Kanlaon Volcano erupts while Tropical Depression (TD) “Nika” ravages the country.

OCD Administrator, Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno said this as continuous degassing with occasional weak ash emission has been occurring from the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano since Oct. 19, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

This coincided with the entry of TD “Nika” around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9.

“Preparing for the worst-case scenarios is crucial for saving lives. We must ensure that our response plans are robust and ready to be implemented at a moment’s notice, especially in the face of potential natural disasters,” he said.

Nepomuceno emphasized the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in implementing preemptive and risk mitigation measures. 

“It is essential that we prevent the loss of lives and livelihoods in the event of a major or violent eruption. The time to act is now,” he said.

He also urged affected residents to heed the guidance of local leaders and follow advisories from Phivolcs and the OCD. 

“It is vital that residents stay informed and follow instructions from authorities to ensure their safety. Your cooperation can make a significant difference in our collective response to this situation,” Nepomuceno stated.

In an advisory, the Phivolcs said that 28 ash emission episodes were recorded at Kanlaon Volcano on Saturday which lasted four minutes to one hour and eighteen minutes. These episodes generated grayish plumes that rose 300 to 800 meters above the summit. 

It said traces of ash were reported in Sitio Bais, Brgy. Yubo, La Carlota City and Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana both in Negros Occidental. Sulfurous fumes were also experienced in Brgy. Yubo, La Carlota City and Brgy. Sag-ang in La Castellana.

Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest), indicating a potential for eruptive activity. Continuous degassing and ash emissions suggest that the hydrothermal system within the magma is superheated. 

The OCD said it has inquired about such degassing with Phivolcs officials who confirmed that the ash may originate from the force of the degassing or rising magma. Phivolcs is currently collecting samples to determine whether they are fresh or older deposits.

Nepomuceno said that while the volcano shows signs of rising magma, which could lead to a magmatic eruption, the exact timing cannot be predicted at this time. 

“PHIVOLCS emphasizes that there is currently no indication of an imminent stronger eruption. Should significant changes occur in monitoring parameters, the alert level will be raised accordingly, indicating an increased risk of explosive activity,” he said.