PHIVOLCS: POSSIBLE ERUPTION OF MT.KANLAON FOLLOWING SERIES OF SEISMIC ACTIVITY

The state volcanologists Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said that it has recorded increased seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island, due to this the agency warned of a possible ‘eruptive unrest’ in Mt. Kanlaon.

The increase in volcanic-tectonic activity of Kanlaon Volcano may possibly precede eruptive activity according to Phivolcs (Photo courtesy of DOST-PHIVOLCS)

Based on the advisory, at least 288 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes have been recorded since midnight of Tuesday, September 10 at Kanlaon Volcano. The VT earthquakes were 0 to 9 kilometers deep which was “beneath the northeastern flanks of the volcanic edifice.”

“VT earthquakes are generated by rock fracturing processes and the increase in VT activity strongly indicates progressive rock fracturing beneath the volcano as rising magma drives a path towards the surface,” Phivolcs said.

According to the agency, the strongest of these VT earthquakes were felt at Intensity II in parts of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. “Rumbling sounds” were reported by some residents of Bago City and there were also “strong sulfur fumes” in a few barangays in the cities of Canlaon, Bago, and La Carlota. La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

On Tuesday, a total of 2,794 tons of sulfur dioxide emission were emitted from the volcano. Also voluminous emission of plumes up to 800 meters tall were observed which drifted to the northeast direction.

“Kanlaon is now on Alert Level 2. This means that the activity can escalate further. Yes, it is possible that it will erupt again. There may be magma rising and breaking the rocks, that is why we are having earthquakes,” PHIVOLCS chief Teresito Bacolcol said.

Phivolcs reminded the public to be ready and vigilant and not to enter into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone around Kanlaon to avoid volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall and others.

“Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft,” they added.

Kanlaon Volcano’s first eruption was December 2017, the 43rd recorded since 1866. Since its June 3 eruption that lasted 6 minutes and emitted plumes that rose to 5,000 meters, the volcano has been under Alert Level 2. 

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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