Phivolcs warns of lahar in Kanlaon

MANILA, Philippines — With Typhoon Tino threatening Negros Island, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned residents that lahar from Kanlaon Volcano may flow into several areas on the island, a Phivolcs advisory said yesterday.

The heavy to intense rainfall could “generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars, muddy streamflows or muddy run-off in rivers and drainage areas on Kanlaon Volcano,” Phivolcs said.

“Prolonged and heavy rainfall may generate generally channel-confined post-eruption lahars and sediment-laden streamflows on major channels, draining the southern and western slopes of Kanlaon Volcano,” it added.

Phivolcs advised communities living along waterways that could be affected by lahar flow to be prepared in case evacuation becomes necessary, and to avoid traversing affected streams.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2.