Capitol continues monitoring of volcano cracks

Saturday, February 18, 2012

THE Provincial Disaster Management Team (PDMT) of Negros Occidental continues to monitor the cracks that were found in some portions of Kanlaon Volcano.

Portions of the volcano were found to have cracks due to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the Visayas last February 6. The cracks might threaten the collapse of some parts of the volcano.

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Mt. Kanlaon is an active volcano located approximately 36 kilometers southeast of Bacolod City. It has an elevation of 2,435 meters (7,989 feet) and a base diameter of 30 kilometers.

Meanwhile, the PMDT is also monitoring the landslides which occured in the boundary of La Castella town and La Carlota City. Landslides were also reported in Buhangin Falls in Sitio Mercedez, Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellana. No damage nor evacuation was reported from the said landslides.

The PDMT said they are closely coordinating with Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on monitoring the cracks; and that they are scheduled to conduct more ocular inspections on the said site.

Cecil Canada, Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park superintendent, reported to Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. that a reconnaissance survey revealed some parts of the volcano were affected by the tremor.

Accredited trained guides and members of rescue groups based in La Carlota conducted the inspection, Canada said.

The report revealed portions of Kanlaon Volcano crater were affected. Cracks on land surfaces were seen and traces of landslides were evident, he said.

Canada stressed that with the current situation where aftershocks and unpredictable heavy rains usually occur in the mountains, there is fear that the affected portion of the volcano may collapse and might result to landslide.

With the approaching peak season for trekking and mountaineering, the present situation in Mt. Kanlaon poses danger, Canada said.

He added that his office is concerned about the extent of the damages, especially on mountain trails and eco-tourism areas of the park. It poses a threat to the life and safety of the trekkers and mountain climbers and tourists.

Due to the threat, Canada temporarily prohibited trekking, camping and other mountaineering activities in Mt. Kanlaon.

The park has to be closed, he said.

Canada said all bookings are cancelled and trekking and mountain activities at the Kanlaon Natural Park are temporarily suspended.