The ongoing unrest of Mount Kanlaon has taken a dramatic turn as netizens captured the sudden flow of lahar from the volcano into the Intiguiwan River in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, on December 15, 2024. The area lies several kilometers from the volcanic mountain, which has been active since its eruption earlier this month.
A resident who was visiting the river with friends was shocked when they encountered what appeared to be a stream of blackened water with a sulfuric odor. “We came to bathe in the river, expecting clear water, but we were met with something that resembled ash mixed with water,” the netizen shared.
Mount Kanlaon erupted on December 9, 2024, sending plumes of ash into the sky and blanketing nearby communities with ashfall. The ashfall was so extensive that it reached Panay Island, affecting areas far beyond the immediate vicinity of the volcano. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has since been closely monitoring the situation, warning of potential major eruptions.
Local government units implemented widespread evacuations in severely affected areas, including La Castellana, Moises Padilla, La Carlota, and Bago City. Evacuation centers were set up for residents displaced by the ashfall, which caused health risks and disrupted daily activities.
PHIVOLCS issued a high alert due to the possibility of heavy rainfall triggering lahar flows, which are dangerous mudflows composed of volcanic material. Despite the warnings, today’s lahar flow came as a startling realization of the potential hazards of Mount Kanlaon’s activity.
In response, authorities are intensifying efforts to enforce evacuations within the six-kilometer danger zone. Local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid areas near rivers and streams that may serve as channels for lahar.
The provincial disaster response teams are on high alert, preparing for any further developments as PHIVOLCS continues to monitor the volcano. Meanwhile, residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to safety protocols to mitigate the risks posed by Mount Kanlaon’s continuing activity.
The lahar flow serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of nature, particularly for communities living near one of the country’s most active volcanoes.