PHIVOLCS reports slight increase in Kanlaon volcanic quakes

State volcanologists on Saturday reported a slight increase in seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island after 19 new volcanic earthquakes were recorded.

The figure is five more than the 14 quakes recorded on Friday, June 7.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintained Kanlaon's status at Alert Level 2, or a state of "increased unrest," based on the agency's latest 24-hour observation bulletin as of midnight Saturday.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said that the new tally is still lower than the 53 volcanic quakes registered on June 4, or a day after Kanlaon erupted.

"Mas marami itong nang kaunti, bahagyang mas marami na na-record natin previously (This is a slight increase, slightly more compared to previously recorded data)," Bacolcol said.

Asked if the volcanic quakes indicate that Kanlaon may erupt again, Bacolcol said, "Yes, there's still the possibility na magkakaroon ng mass eruption... or there could be smaller phreatic eruptions."

(Yes, there's still the possibility that a mass eruption would occur... or there could be smaller phreatic eruptions.)

Aside from the 19 volcanic earthquakes, PHIVOLCS said Kanlaon emitted a 1,500-meter plume that drifted northeast. It was described as a "voluminous emission." As of June 6, the sulfur dioxide flux was at 1,412 tons per day. Kanlaon's edifice remained inflated.

Entry into the volcano's four-kilometer permanent danger zone remained prohibited. Flying of aircraft close to the volcano is similarly barred.

A total of 27 volcanic earthquakes were recorded on Thursday.

Kanlaon had a phreatic eruption on June 3, Monday, emitting plumes that rose 5,000 meters.

Damage to agriculture has been pegged at almost P1.5 million, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

Gray cohesive mud, plant debris, and gravel have been deposited by lahar along four waterways in La Castellana and Canlaon.

Also on Friday, state volcanologists reported an 80-minute lahar flow on the southern and western slopes of Kanlaon triggered by thunderstorms over the volcano. — VDV, GMA Integrated News