288 quakes monitored at Kanlaon Volcano since Monday night - PHIVOLCS

State volcanologists have recorded nearly 300 earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano since Monday night, indicating increased seismic activity.

In an advisory issued at 11 a.m. Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said 288 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes have been monitored since 8:30 p.m. of September 9.

''The events were generated between 0 and 9 kilometers beneath the northeastern flanks of the volcanic edifice, and the strongest events were felt at Intensity II in some barangays of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. Rumbling sounds were reported by some residents of Bago City,'' PHIVOLCS said.

An Intensity II earthquake, according to PHIVOLCS, is felt by a few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly, and still water in containers sways noticeably, it said.

''VT earthquakes are generated by rock fracturing processes, and the increase in VT activity strongly indicates progressive rock fracturing beneath the volcano as rising magma drives a path towards the surface,'' PHIVOLCS said.

Strong sulfur fumes were also observed in some barangays of Bago and La Carlota cities in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City.

PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 2, or a state of increasing unrest, prevails over Kanlaon, “but that current seismic activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the Alert Level.”

“The public is strongly advised to be ready and vigilant and to avoid entry into the four-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards,” PHIVOLCS said.

These volcanic hazards include pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, and rockfall.

Residents of affected areas were reminded to cover their noses and mouths with damp, clean cloth or duck masks in case of ash fall.

Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit, as ash and ballistic fragments from a sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft, PHIVLOCS said.

Kanlaon Volcano has been at Alert Level 2 since June 3 after it emitted plumes that rose to 5,000 meters. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/VBL, GMA Integrated News