Alert level 1 raised over Kanlaon volcano

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – First there was the dengue epidemic, followed by Tropical Storm Falcon.

Now here comes the restive Kanlaon Volcano.

Alert Level 1 was raised over Kanlaon after the seismic monitoring network recorded three volcanic earthquakes during the 24-hour observation period.

A status update from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRMO) said that sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 79 tonnes per day on June 15, 2019.

Ground deformation data from latest continuous monitoring indicated slight deflation in the volcano.

Alert Level 1 (abnormal) status prevails over Kanlaon Volcano, which means that it is currently in a state of unrest, probably driven by hydrothermal processes that could generate steam driven or phreatic eruptions.

Local government units and the public are reminded to avoid entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to perennial hazards of rockfalls, avalanches, sudden outgassing and steam-driven or phreatic eruption at the summit area.

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.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned, the status report said.