Thirty-three areas in Western Visayas (Region 6) and Central Visayas (Region 7) were affected by the ashfall from the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, it was revealed on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
In a press briefing organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol said that the ashfall affected four provinces: Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Antique, and Guimaras.
“We have four provinces that reported ashfall incidents and it went as far as Antique which is more than 300 kilometers away. That’s how strong the eruption was,” he said.
The affected areas include the following:
La Carlota, Negros Occidental
- Barangays Ara-al, Yubo, San Miguel, La Granja, Cubay, Haguimit;
La Castellana, Negros Occidental
- Barangays Biak-na-Bato, Mansalanao, Cabagna-an, Sag-ang, Masulog;
Bago City, Negros Occidental
- Barangays Mailum, Ilijan, Ma-ao, Binubuhan;
Murcia, Negros Occidental
- Barangay Minoyan;
Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
- Barangays Mananawin, Masulog, Pula;
Negros Occidental
- the cities and municipalities of Hinigaran, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Moises Padilla;
Antique
- the cities and municipalities of San Jose de Buenavista, Belison, San Remigio, Patnongon;
Guimaras
- the cities and municipalities of San Lorenzo, San Miguel, Nueva Valencia, and Sibunag.
Meanwhile, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed in seven barangays in La Castella, Negros Occidental and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. PDCs are hot, fast-moving mixtures of volcanic particles and gas that flow according to their density.
“We expanded the danger zone from the permanent danger zone (PDZ) which is four kilometers to six kilometers because there is a possibility that another hazardous eruption and pyroclastic density current may occur which will exceed the four-kilometer permanent danger zone,” Bacolcol said.
Two ash emissions were also recorded by the Phivolcs on Tuesday, which lasted from 11 to 39 minutes. Bacolcol said ash plumes reached heights of 100 meters.
"We also recommend civil aviation authorities must warn aircraft to avoid flying close to Kanlaon summit," the Phivolcs chief said.
Chris Perez, chief of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) assistant weather services, said they have been monitoring weather situation in parts of the country due to isolated thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.
Rains mixed with ashfall may result to lahar flow which is hazardous to communities nearby the volcano.
"So far, we are not expecting any typhoon over the area in the next three to five days," he said.
"However, for our outlook from December 16 to 22, we are expecting a tropical cyclone-like vortex which will emerge over the tropical cyclone advisory domain (TCAD) and may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility," he warned.