Kanlaon Volcano activity decreasing but Alert Level 2 remains —PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Wednesday reported that Kanlaon Volcano’s state of unrest has been decreasing even as it remained under Alert Level 2. 

Based on its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said 53 earthquakes were recorded in the volcano from 12 a.m. on Tuesday to 12 a.m. on Wednesday. 

Kanlaon Volcano also emitted 4,113 tonnes of sulfur dioxide flux on Tuesday, following its explosive eruption on Monday night. 

It also generated a “voluminous” 2,000-meter tall plume, which drifted south-southwest to northwest. The volcano’s edifice also remained inflated. 

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said there’s no definite timeframe as to when Kanlaon Volcano’s activity will last, some takes months while some are only short-lived.

“Kapag patuloy lang na ganito ang mangyayari sa Kanlaon, Alert Level 2 muna tayo,” he said. 

(if Kanlaon maintains this activity, we will remain at Alert Level 2.)

“Kapag naman patuloy na dumami ang gas o pagkakaron ng lindol, at pamamaga…hanggang base ng volcano, ibig sabihin umaakyat ang magma, maga-Alert Level 3 tayo,” he added.

(If the amount of gas or the number of earthquakes increases, or the inflation of the volcano’s edifice extends to its base, then that means the magma is going up. We need to raise Alert Level 3.)

Solidum also advised the public to remain alert and to get themselves familiar with preparedness measures in case of emergency. 

PHIVOLCS warned that entry into Kanlaon Volcano’s 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone, and flying any aircraft close to it are prohibited. 

Sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may also occur. 

PHIVOLCS raised the alert level at Kanlaon Volcano from 1 to 2 on Monday, meaning its then-increased unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes could eventually lead to “further explosive eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption.”

More than 1,500 individuals in the province of Negros Occidental were transferred to evacuation centers following the eruption, according to the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) on Tuesday.

Canlaon City in Negros Oriental has also been placed under a state of calamity due to Kanlaon Volcano's eruption. —KBK, GMA Integrated News