Kanlaon Volcano emits white steam-laden plumes; more quakes recorded

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Tuesday reported Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island emitted white steam-laden plumes anew.

PHIVOLCS 8 a.m. bulletin said the emission was weak and rose 300 meters. Yesterday, PHIVOLCS reported a moderate emission that rose 200 meters.

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“One earthquake at 5:07 a.m. yesterday was recorded at M3.0 by the Philippine Seismic Network and was felt at Intensity II in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental,” PHIVOLCS said.

“Activity at the vent consisted of weak emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose 300 meters before drifting northwest and southeast,” it added.

PHIVOLCS recorded a total of 104 volcano-tectonic earthquakes on Kanlaon’s western flanks in the past 24 hours, with 136 tremors on Monday.

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On June 13, Kanlaon’s sulfur dioxide emission measured at 438 tonnes per day. PHIVOLCS also observed continuing deflation on the lower slopes and inflation on the mid slopes of the volcano since April.

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“These parameters indicate that hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the edifice,” PHIVOLCS said.

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Kanlaon is still under Alert Level 1 since March. It means that the volcano is at an “abnormal condition” and has entered a period of unrest.

“The local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions,” it said.

“Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft,” PHIVOLCS added.

Aside from Kanlaon Volcano, the Philvocs is also closely monitoring other active volcanoes in the Philippines, including Mayon in Albay, which is currently at Alert Level 2 or a “moderate level of unrest.”

“Patuloy ang pamamaga ng Mayon at ang pamumula ng crater. Hindi pa masyadong matingkad pero ito ay senyales na may mainit na source o magma o gas sa tuktok,” he explained.

(Inflammation continues in Mayon, and its crater is still red. Though the color is still not vivid, this means that there is a source of magma or hot gas at the top of the volcano.)