Kanlaon Volcano logged 79 volcanic earthquakes —PHIVOLCS

A total of 79 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island in the past 24 hours, PHIVOLCS said on Thursday.

This is significantly lower compared to the 337 volcanic earthquakes recorded on Wednesday.

In its bulletin on Thursday, PHIVOLCS said 11,556 tons of sulfur dioxide gas were emitted from the volcano on Wednesday, higher compared to the 9,985 tons previously recorded.

PHIVOLCS, in an advisory on Wednesday night, said sulfuric fumes were reported in the following barangays:

• Barangay San Miguel in La Carlota City
• Barangay and Barangay Pula in Canlaon City
• Barangay Codcod in San Carlos City
• Barangay Inolingan in Moises Padilla

“Prolonged exposure to volcanic SO2, especially of communities within direct reach of accumulation from plumes during low wind conditions, can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract,” PHIVOLCS warned.

“People who may be particularly sensitive are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” it added.

Due to this, PHIVOLCS advised affected residents to cover their mouth and nose with a damp clean cloth or dusk mask. 

Alert Level 2 is maintained over Kanlaon Volcano, which means there is an increased unrest.

Under Alert Level 2, entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and the flying of any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited. Sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may occur.

On Tuesday, PHIVOLCS chief Teresito Bacolcol said Kanlaon Volcano may have an eruption following a series of volcanic earthquakes.

“Nasa Alert Level 2 ang Kanlaon ngayon. Ibig sabihin nito puwede mag-escalate further 'yung activity. Yes, posible po na puputok ulit ito,” Bacolcol had said.

(Kanlaon is now on Alert Level 2. This means that the activity can escalate further. Yes, it is possible that it will erupt again.)

Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption last June 3 lasted six minutes and emitted plumes that rose to 5,000 meters. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News