The threat of a lahar flow looms over several towns in Central and Western Visayas as Tropical Storm Ferdie brings heavy rains to the region. The rumbling Mt. Kanlaon volcano, which has been showing signs of unrest, is a major concern.
"The release of gases is increasing, which is a key indicator of a possible eruption," said OCD Director Edgar Posadas. "While we're seeing muddy flows, they haven't reached the level of a lahar yet. We're hoping it doesn't come to that."
Posadas explained that a rainfall level of 60mm per day would be considered critical, potentially triggering a lahar flow.
The region still remembers the devastation caused by a lahar flow in June, when heavy rains combined with volcanic activity sent destructive mud through parts of Negros Occidental.
Currently, at least 17,000 families, or 57,000 individuals, from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are affected by the volcano's activity. This number is likely to rise as the situation evolves.
Earlier this week, Phivolcs, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, warned of a possible magmatic eruption, citing the highest levels of sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano since 2009.
"We're seeing a daily release of 9,985 tons of sulfur dioxide," said Phivolcs division chief Mariton Bornas. "While we can't predict the exact time of an eruption, we're closely monitoring the situation."
Phivolcs has urged local governments to stay on high alert and ensure that no one is within the permanent danger zone around the volcano.
