Kanlaon still restive

Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island continue to act up even if the number of earthquakes it spawned has slowed down.

In an advisory issue 8 am of June 24, 2020, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it recorded 38 volcano-tectonic earthquakes on volcano’s western flanks during the 24-hour observation period.

An earthquake at 7:00 pm on June 23 was recorded at M3.6 by the Philippine Seismic Network and was felt at Intensity III in La Carlota City and at Intensity II in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

“Activity at the vent consisted of moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose 300 meters before drifting southwest. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 438 tonnes/day on 13 June 2020.

Ground deformation data from continuous GPS measurements indicate a slight deflation of the lower and mid slopes since January 2020. Short-term electronic tilt monitoring on the southeastern flanks recorded continuing deflation on the lower slopes but inflation on the mid slopes since April 2020. These parameters indicate that hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the edifice.

Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 1, which means that it is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest.

Local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

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. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.