Phivolcs warns more lahars possible as thunderstorms hit Kanlaon Volcano

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Thursday, June 6, that thunderstorms over Negros Island's Kanlaon Volcano generated lahars early Wednesday afternoon.

On Friday, Phivolcs observed taller plumes reaching up to 2,000 meters and recorded a lahar flow lasting 80 minutes due to thunderstorms on the volcano’s southern and western slopes at around 2:50 p.m.

Moderate to heavy rain mixed with volcanic debris produced lahars for about 25 minutes earlier in the week but extended to 80 minutes on Friday, depositing gray cohesive mud, plant debris, and gravel in four waterways, rendering roads impassable and threatening communities.

Phivolcs warned that more thunderstorms forecast for Thursday could generate additional lahars and advised communities along rivers draining southern Kanlaon to remain vigilant and take preemptive measures.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) have initiated damage assessments in affected areas, with PAF using helicopters for rapid damage assessment and needs analysis.

Local government officials like Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo of Moises Padilla and Mayor Alme Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan of La Castellana are implementing forced evacuations in areas threatened by lahar flows to ensure community safety.