PHIVOLCS: Kanlaon eruption possible, 45 volcanic quakes logged

A massive eruption similar to what happened last June 3 could occur at Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island as the volcano remains under heightened alert, state seismologists said on Friday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reiterated that Alert Level 2 means Kanlaon is in a state of increasing unrest.

“Right now nasa Alert Level 2 ang Kanlaon Volcano at pwede pa rin itong mag-escalate further ang kanyang activities. Yes, possible na puputok pa rin ito,” said PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Friday.

(The Kanlaon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 2 and its activities could further escalate. Yes, another eruption is possible.)

It added that steam-driven explosions or phreatic eruptions are also likely to happen soon.

“For phreatic eruption, posible pa rin kahit naman nasa Alert Level 0…kaya ang recommendation natin sa ating mga kababayan na huwag pumasok sa loob ng 4-kilometer permanent danger zone kasi pwedeng magkaroon ng phreatic eruption anytime,” Bacolcol added.

(For phreatic eruption, it is possible even when it is under Alert Level 0…That’s why we highly advise the public not to enter the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone because there could be phreatic eruptions anytime.)

PHIVOLCS noted increased seismic activity at the volcano last September 9, just three months after it erupted.

From 12 a.m. Thursday, September 20 to 12 a.m. of Friday, September 21, state seismologists logged 45 volcanic earthquakes.

As of Sept. 19, PHIVOLCS added sulfur dioxide emissions from the Kanlaon crater currently averages 8,932 tonnes a day.

In case of exposure to sulfur fumes, PHIVOLCS advises the public to drink plenty of water for cases of inhalation and to rinse eyes with clean water if there is eye irritation.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News