PHIVOLCS: Kanlaon Volcano showing magmatic activity, Alert Level 1 stays

Hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the Kanlaon Volcano edifice on Negros Island, the  Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Saturday.

In its 8 a.m. Kalaon Volcano bulletin, PHIVOLCS said it monitored six volcano-tectonic earthquakes on the western flanks, and one volcanic earthquake in the summit area during the 24-hour observation period.

Also, it recorded moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose 200 meters before drifting northwest. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 237 tonnes per day on 24 June 2020.

Meanwhile, 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.

All these parameters, according to PHIVOLCS, indicate that hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the edifice.

It reminded the public that the volcano is at Alert Level 1, which means that it is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest.

Moreover, it said, local government units around the area 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. —LBG, GMA News