Lahar monitored in waterways around Kanlaon

Lahar flows were monitored in at least four waterways surrounding Kanlaon Volcano in the last couple of days, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

- ROMINA CABRERA

State volcanologists said the thunderstorm generated volcanic sediment flow or lahar on the southern slopes of the volcano.

Three seismic stations of the Kanlaon Volcano Network detected the lahar that began at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Grey cohesive mud, plat debris and gravel were deposited by the lahar in the waterways of Tamburong Creek, Intiguiwan River in Guinpanaan and upstream Baji-Baji Falls, as well as the Padudusan Falls and Binalbagan River.

Affected by lahars were Barangays Biak-na-Bato, Calapnagan and Cabacungan in La Castellana, as well as Masulog in Canlaon City.

The lahar flows were generally confined in the channels, but those along Tamburong Creek overflowed and dumped deposits on a stretch of the main road in Biak-naBato, rendering it impassable to motorists.

Phivolcs warned that continued rains could continue to generate lahars, as well as muddy stream flow or muddy runoff in rivers draining in the southern Kanlaon edifice.

Phivolcs said 27 volcanic earthquakes were recorded since Wednesday morning. Sulfur dioxide emissions were monitored at a slightly lower 3,464 tons per day but plumes were still voluminous, standing at 1,500 meters tall.

State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecast thunderstorms today that could generate larger volume of lahar.

In an interview with