Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island is being closely monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) after several earthquakes were recorded on its western flanks for the past 24 hours.
The state seismologist said in a bulletin released today that a total of 136 earthquakes were recorded with four of them occurring at 1:01am, 1:04am, 1:34am, and 2:06am. White, steam-laden plumes were also seen appearing at one of the volcano’s vents, while sulphur dioxide has been emitted at an average of 438 tonnes per day since June 13.
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It added that the slopes of the volcano have been inflating as well as deflating, which “indicate that hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the edifice.”
Alert Level 1 has been raised which means Kanlaon is “at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest.”
“The local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft,” PHIVOLCS added.
The highest point in the entire Visayas, Kanlaon last erupted in 2006.
