Kanlaon Volcano may erupt following series of earthquakes —PHIVOLCS

Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island may have an eruption, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Tuesday following a series of volcanic earthquakes.

“Nasa Alert Level 2 ang Kanlaon ngayon. Ibig sabihin nito puwede mag-escalate further 'yung activity. Yes, posible po na puputok ulit ito,” PHIVOLCS chief Teresito Bacolcol told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview.

(Kanlaon is now on Alert Level 2. This means that the activity can escalate further. Yes, it is possible that it will erupt again.)

Due to this, Bacolcol advised concerned residents and local governments to be vigilant.

In its bulletin on Tuesday, PHIVOLCS said 37 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded at Kanlaon Volcano from 12 a.m. on Monday to 12 a.m. on Tuesday.

“Ang ibig sabihin po nito ay maaaring may magma na umaakyat o umaangat at binabasag ang mga bato kaya po nagkakaroon po tayo ng paglindol,” Bacolcol said.

(It means there may be magma rising and breaking the rocks, that is why we are having earthquakes.)

A total of 2,794 tons of sulfur dioxide emission were emitted from the volcano on Tuesday.

Voluminous emission of plumes up to 800 meters tall were observed from the volcano, which drifted to the northeast direction.

Alert Level 2 means there is an increased unrest at Kanlaon Volcano.

Under Alert Level 2, entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and the flying of any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited.

Sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may occur.

Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption last June 3 lasted six minutes and emitted plumes that rose to 5,000 meters. —KG, GMA Integrated News