KANLAON VOLCANO ERUPTED, ALERT LEVEL RAISED TO 3

Kanlaon Volcano's alert level raised to alert level 3 following its "explosive eruption" on Monday (Photo courtesy of Francis Ong/Facebook)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island erupted at 3:03 p.m. on Monday, December 09. In a bulletin released by Phivolcs, the Alert Level 2 in Kanlaon has been raised to Alert Level 3.

The state volcanologists said that an explosive eruption occurred at the summit vent of Kanlaon Volcano, the eruption produced a voluminous plume that rapidly rose to 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest.

“Pyroclastic density currents or PDCs descended the slopes on the general southeastern edifice based on IP and thermal camera monitors.”

In view of this, DOST-PHIVOLCS is raising the Alert Level of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest). Which means magmatic eruption has begun that may progress to further explosive eruptions.

On Sunday, Phivolcs recorded six volcanic earthquakes and a 16-minute long ash emission event, that also released 4,638 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, as well as a moderate 300-meter tall plume in Kanlaon Volcano. 

Phivolcs advised all local government units to evacuate the 6-km radius from the summit of the volcano and must be prepared for additional evacuation if activity warrants.

Meanwhile, the state volcanologists also monitored six volcanic earthquakes, accompanied by five volcanic tremors lasting between three to five minutes in Taal Volcano in Batangas province over the last 24 hours. 

Phivolcs recorded the emission of 1,207 metric tons of sulfur dioxide from Taal’s main crater, which rose 600 meters high before drifting in the west-southwest direction. Despite this, Alert Level 1 remained hoisted over the volcano due to “low-level unrest.”

Entry into Taal Volcano Island which is considered a permanent danger zone, and flying any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited. Hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur.

Source: GMA Integrated News

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]