17 volcanic quakes recorded at Kanlaon Volcano —PHIVOLCS

Seventeen volcanic earthquakes occurred at Kanlaon Volcano on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Sunday.

The volcanic earthquakes were recorded from 12 a.m. Saturday to 12 a.m. Sunday, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin.

Some 4,397 tonnes of sulfur dioxide flux were also observed on Saturday.

“This is the highest emission this year measured by campaign survey and the second highest land-based measure for Kanlaon,” said PHIVOLCS.

Moderate plumes rising up to 500 meters tall were also seen on Saturday and these drifted northeast.

Kanlaon Volcano, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, is still on Alert Level 2 due to its increased unrest, PHIVOLCS said.

Alert Level 2 means there are elevated volcanic earthquakes, steam emissions, ground deformation and hot spring temperature.

According to PHIVOLCS, intermittent steam or ash explosions are also observed with increased inflation or swelling of the volcano’s edifice under Alert Level 2.

The public was reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited.

Likewise, flying any aircraft close to the volcano is not allowed.

Lahar threat

PHIVOLCS also advised residents to take the necessary precautions against possible lahar flows.

"Kapag may ulan, puwedeng ma-remobilize ang volcanic materials," PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said in an interview on Sunday with Super Radyo dzBB.

(If there is rain, volcanic materials may possibly be remobilized.)

"Kahit malayo tayo sa 4-km permanent danger zone eh kung nakatira naman tayo malapit sa ilog na nanggaling sa dalisdis ng Kanlaon Volcano at ito ay umaagos ng more than 6 kilometers (kph), pwede pa rin tayong mapinsala dahil sa lahar," he added.

(Even if we live far from the 4-km permanent danger zone, we may still be in danger due to lahar if we live near a river with water flowing more than 6 kilometers from Kanlaon Volcano.)

Bacolcol said residents living in communities threatened by lahar should be ready to evacuate if needed.

"'Yung recommendation natin ay maging vigilant pa rin ang mga tao. Dapat ready silang lumikas kapag malakas ang ulan and ang forecast ng PAGASA ay magkakaroon ng thunderstorms in the next few days," he said.

(Our recommendation is for the public to be vigilant. They should be ready to evacuate if there are heavy rains and PAGASA is forecasting thunderstorm in the next few days.)

Kanlaon Volcano had an eruption on Monday, June 3, emitting plumes that rose to 5,000 meters.

“In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Kanlaon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask,” the PHIVOLCS advised on Saturday.

Since 1866, all of Kanlaon's eruptions, except one, were phreatic in nature. —KG, GMA Integrated News