PHIVOLCS MONITORED VOLCANIC ACTIVITIES ON TAAL AND KANLAON

Sulfur dioxide degassing and earthquakes are recorded in two volcanoes (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs-DOST)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) have been monitoring the Mt. Kanlaon that recently had an explosive eruption. On its 24-hour monitoring, an increase in seismic activity has been recorded.

According to Phivolcs volcano bulletin on June 9, 19 volcanic earthquakes were detected in the past 24 hours remaining it under Alert Level 2 due to “increasing unrest.” Aside from the volcanic earthquakes, Kanlaon emitted 1,500-meter plume that drifted northeast which is described as “voluminous emission.”

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said that the recorded volcanic quakes are a slight increase compared to the previous data recorded. The director also stated that an eruption might occur again.

“Yes, there's still the possibility that a mass eruption would occur or there could be smaller phreatic eruptions,” Bacolcol stated.

Meanwhile, the Taal Volcano in Batangas have been degassing sulfur dioxide according to Phivolcs and a phreatic eruption was observed on Saturday midnight. Five volcanic tremors were also monitored lasting three to 608 minutes. 

Taal’s main crater degassing sulfur dioxide elevated with a total of 11,072 tons per day of SO2 emission. The average SO2 gas emission for the year was 8,294 tons per day, there have been continuous degassing of SO2 since 2021.

“There is no fear of a possible eruption. In fact, we only recorded one earthquake yesterday. The degassing caused vog as based on the forecast of PAGASA, there will be a weakening of wind at two meters per second. As a result, the sulfur dioxide will not easily disperse, causing the vog,” Bacolcol stated.

Residents that are vulnerable to volcanic SO2 are advised to avoid going outdoors and to take precautionary safety measures to protect their health.

“Prolonged exposure to volcanic SO2 can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract. People who may be particularly sensitive are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” Phivolcs said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]