Kanlaon records quake swarms, no evacuation for now

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Swarms of volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in various sectors of Kanlaon Volcano, prompting concerns over possible unrest, but immediate evacuation is not advised.

Ma. Antonia V. Bornas, chief science research specialist of the Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, said Monday that the tremors—known as volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes—are caused by the fracturing of rocks due to magmatic intrusion beneath the volcano.

“The intrusion comes from as deep as 15 kilometers, with magma pushing its way toward the surface,” she said.

Bornas noted that similar activity was recorded in September last year.

She added that Kanlaon previously registered a high number of earthquakes along with sulfur dioxide emissions exceeding 11,500 tons per day.

That period did not immediately lead to an eruption, but ash emissions followed in October, with a full eruption occurring on Dec. 9, 2024.

“This is why it is difficult to say if there will be a major eruption soon,” Bornas said.

She explained that the period of unrest could last for months—or even years.

“There is always a threat of moderate eruption, but it does not necessarily happen immediately,” she added.

Bornas emphasized that while the threat remains, there is no recommendation for an evacuation at this time.

“We only advise clearing the Permanent Danger Zone if there is sustained activity,” she said.

“For now, there is no call for evacuation.”

Phivolcs also clarified that recent earthquakes in the region are not related to the volcano.

In an advisory Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that 72 VT earthquakes were recorded by the Kanlaon Volcano Network between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday.

The strongest of these was felt at Intensity I in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

On Sunday, 41 VT earthquakes were recorded between 11:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2025.