MANILA, Philippines- Sa pag-iral ng Alert Level 2 sa Bulkang Kanlaon hanggang nitong Setyembre 14, 2024, ang Visayas Command ay nasa heightened alert.
“In response to the increasing volcanic activity of Mt. Kanlaon in Western Visayas, the Visayas Command (VISCOM) is on heightened alert, ready to deploy its Disaster Response Task Group (DRTG) in support of local government agencies. This comes after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the Alert Level to 2, signaling ongoing unrest that could potentially lead to a magmatic eruption,” pahayag ng VISCOM.
Hanggang 34 Disaster Response Task Units (DRTUs) mula sa 303rd Infantry Brigade ng Joint Task Force Spear ang nakaantabay. Sinabi ng VISCOM na ang nasabing units ay mayroong mga kinakailangang disaster response tools, mobility, at communication assets.
“These teams, composed of Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA), are ready to assist in evacuation efforts, search and rescue operations, and other critical tasks as needed,” anang VISCOM.
“Our mission is clear— to protect lives and support our communities in the face of this looming threat. We have strategically positioned our forces to respond swiftly and effectively, in close coordination with the different local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) in Western Visayas, to ensure the safety of those in potentially affected areas,” sabi ni VISCOM commander, Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, PA.
Noong Hunyo 2024, naitala ang phreatic eruption sa Mt. Kanlaon kung saan nagbuga ang bulkan ng abo at usok, dahilan upang ilikas ang mga residente sa mga kalapit na lugar.
Sa mga nakalipas na araw, iniulat ng PHIVOLCS ang pagdami ng naitatalang lindol at pagtaas ng lebel inilalabas na gas.
“We are not just responding to the situation as it develops; we are taking proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts. Our coordination with local DRRMCs and other agencies is seamless, ensuring that our resources and personnel are fully aligned with the needs on the ground,” ani Reyeg. RNT/SA
