A bulldozer and three dump trucks were used to clear the massive flow of volcanic debris known as a lahar after it stopped flowing near Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines. Fernandez, the local official, mentioned that it might take some time to completely clear the area. Thankfully, there were no immediate reports of casualties despite the potential dangers of lahars, which can bury villages when unleashed by heavy rain or snowmelt. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is currently assessing the extent and volume of the lahar while warning the public of its dangerous nature as it contains volcanic ash.
Leah Martinez, a resident of Masulog near the volcano, captured footage of the stream of volcanic debris flowing down a rocky watercourse following a loud sound similar to thunder. Martinez described how the debris, including stones, ashes, and water, rushed down the river causing concern for the safety of the village. Although it is unclear how many houses were damaged or if other villages were affected by the lahar flow, hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes around Mount Kanlaon due to falling ash, gases, and the threat of further lahars. The state volcanology agency raised the alert level for the volcano from one to two on a zero-to-five scale, indicating the potential for more explosive eruptions.
Mount Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, a country located in the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire” that is home to more than half of the world’s volcanoes. Due to the volcanic activity and potential for lahars, residents in the surrounding areas must remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure their safety. The deployment of heavy equipment to clear the volcanic debris demonstrates the ongoing efforts to manage the aftermath of the lahar flow and reduce the risk of further damage to communities near Mount Kanlaon. It is crucial for residents to stay informed about the situation and adhere to any evacuation orders or safety precautions issued by the authorities to mitigate the impact of volcanic hazards.
