The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has warned residents and local authorities to prepare for possible lahar or volcanic sediment flows on the slopes of Kanlaon Volcano as Severe Tropical Storm “Tino” brings heavy to intense rainfall over Negros Island and nearby areas.
In an advisory issued at 11:30 am, Monday, November 3, PHIVOLCS said intense rains from the storm could trigger muddy streamflows or sediment-laden floods in rivers and drainage systems surrounding the volcano, which remains under Alert Level 2.
The agency urged communities in pre-identified lahar zones to stay alert and take precautionary measures.
PHIVOLCS explained that prolonged and heavy rainfall can mobilize loose volcanic materials from the October 24 eruption, creating channel-confined post-eruption lahars on the southern and western slopes of Kanlaon.
These flows could carry debris and ash deposits through major channels, including Biak-na-Bato, Baji-Baji Falls, and Talapakan Creek in Cabagnaan, La Castellana, and Barangay Guinpana-an, the state volcanologist said.
The agency continues to monitor Kanlaon Volcano 24/7 and will issue updates if volcanic activity or weather conditions worsen.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.