OCD-NIR readies for Kanlaon evacuations, higher alert status
BACOLOD CITY – The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) is preparing for possible evacuations and higher alert status for Kanlaon Volcano after an unusual crater glow, locally called as “banaag,” was seen Sunday night, May 10.
Around 6,100 families could be preemptively evacuated, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) led by OCD-NIR said during a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment and Scenario Building meeting on Monday, May 11, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III said the meeting focused on evaluating the readiness of government agencies and local government units, including the availability of food and non-food supplies, should the alert level be raised.
Sermeno said they are closely monitoring the volcano while awaiting further recommendations from Phivolcs.
La Castellana, Bago City, La Carlota City, Murcia, and San Carlos in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, where the volcano is situated, are at risk.
Sermeno warned residents not to be complacent and prepare for the worst-case scenario. "Expect for worst."
Phivolcs said the crater glow was the first visible glow seen by the naked eye at the summit crater. It was caused by superheated volcanic gas. This, the agency noted, is considered a common precursor to magmatic eruptions at Mayon Volcano.
Despite the crater glow, Phivolcs said current monitoring data remain generally consistent with activity levels recorded after Kanlaon’s moderately explosive eruption last March 15.