Kanlaon Volcano emits ash twice; Alert Level 3 remains

Two ash emissions were recorded to have occurred at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros on Saturday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Sunday.

The ash emission events lasted from 13 to 24 minutes long.

Twelve volcanic earthquakes including two volcanic tremors lasting 13 to 24 minutes also occurred in the same 24-hour period, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin.

The volcano also emitted 2,077 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Saturday.

Moderate plumes reaching up to 400 meters tall were seen rising from the crater indicating continuous degassing. The plumes drifted southwest.

PHIVOLCS said the volcano edifice remains inflated.

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

PHIVOLCS reiterated that the six-kilometer radius from the volcano's summit should remain evacuated.

Flying aircraft close to the volcano is not allowed, it added.

Kanlaon Volcano can pose possible hazards such as the following, PHIVOLCS said:

• sudden explosive eruption;
• lava flow or effusion;
• ashfall;
• pyroclastic density current;
• rockfall; and
• lahars during heavy rains.

—KG, GMA Integrated News