Kanlaon Volcano emits ash, logs 23 volcanic quakes

The Kanlaon Volcano emitted ash and had 23 volcanic earthquakes on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

The ash emission event lasted 111 minutes long, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin.

The 23 volcanic earthquakes recorded included three volcanic tremors lasting four to 111 minutes long, the agency said.

The volcano also emitted 3,469 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Saturday.

Voluminous plumes rising up to 500 meters tall were also recorded on Saturday, indicating continuous degassing. The plumes drifted southwest.

PHIVOLCS said Kanlaon Volcano's edifice is inflated.

Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest) remains in effect on Sunday at Kanlaon Volcano which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the six-kilometer radius from the volcano's summit should be evacuated.

Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also prohibited, it said.

PHIVOLCS said Kanlaon Volcano may have:

• sudden explosive eruption
• lava flow or effusion
• ashfall
• pyroclastic density current (PDC)
• rockfall
• lahars during heavy rains.

Kanlaon Volcano had an explosive eruption on December 9, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level from 2 to 3.

It also erupted on June 3, emitting 5,000-meter tall plumes. —KG, GMA Integrated News