Increased volcanic ash emission noted at Kanlaon

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported yesterday an increase in volcanic ash emissions at Kanlaon volcano, as it recorded 28 emission episodes that lasted up to one hour and 16 minutes.

- Gilbert Bayoran and Romina Cabrera With Michael Punongbayan

The emissions, it added, generated grayish plumes that rose up to 800 meters above the summit.

Phivolcs clarified, though, that the ash emission have been generally quite and occurred without seismic or infrasound signals.

Following this, Civil Defense Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno directed the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas to prepare for worst-case scenarios, such as when an eruption coincides with a typhoon.

"Preparing for the worst-case scenario 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," Nepomuceno said.