PHIVOLCS: 22 volcanic quakes observed at Kanlaon

State volcanologists have monitored 22 volcanic quakes at Kanlaon Volcano over a 24-hour period, nearly two weeks after it had an explosive eruption that has displaced thousands in Negros Island.

In its latest bulletin issued Saturday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported 22 volcanic quakes from 12 a.m. Friday until 12 a.m. Saturday.

Kanlaon's activity continue to indicate "intensified unrest" under Alert Level 3.

Recent earthquakes have been slightly decreasing, with 24 observed on Wednesday, 23 on Thursday, and 22 on Friday.

Sulfur dioxide emissions have dropped to 4,208 tons on Friday compared to 6,438 tons logged the day before.

The volcano edifice remained inflated.

A total of 30 cities and towns were affected by the ashfall from Kanlaon's eruption, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

PHIVOLCS has already recommended evacuation of residents from the six-kilometer radius from the volcano's summit. Flying any aircraft close to the volcano also remains prohibited.

Meanwhile, government officials in Western Visayas have raised the possibility of expanding the permanent danger zone (PDZ) around Kanlaon Volcano from six kilometers to 10.

The local government of La Castellana, one of the hardest hit municipalities, expressed fears that an expanded PDZ would adversely affect its already "exhausted" resources.

Last Friday, the Office of Civil Defense said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has provided P60-million aid for the victims of Kanlaon Volcano's activity.

In a statement, the OCD said Marcos gave P30 million each for Canlaon City and the Negros Oriental Province.

Also on Friday, the OCD said 14,459 people or 4,607 families were staying in evacuation centers while 3,557 people or 1,070 families were taking shelter in other places. — VDV, GMA Integrated News