By JEN BAYLON

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued a warning after a series of increased seismic activities were recorded at Kanlaon Volcano anew.

According to an advisory from the Kanlaon Volcano Network, a total of 90 volcanic earthquakes were recorded from 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, to 12:00 noon yesterday.

Most of the earthquakes were detected 20 kilometers deep.

Phivolcs also reported five volcano-tectonic earthquakes produced by rock fracturing, including 85 weak low-frequency quakes, which indicated the movement of volcanic fluids inside Kanlaon.

It added that the increase in volcanic activity is likely due to the magma beneath the volcano, which also causes more sulfur dioxide to be released and the ground to swell.

Data also shows that Kanlaon has been emitting an average of 3,245 tons of sulfur dioxide per day, with the highest daily emission recorded at 5,083 tons on Tuesday.

The volcano was emitting gases at an average of 1,273 tons per day before its eruption on June 3.

Fourteen volcanic earthquakes were recorded on Sunday, June 30, as its volcanic edifice remained inflated.

Phivolcs said Kanlaon was exhibiting unrest, driven by hydrothermal processes and magmatic degassing deep within its volcanic edifice.

The unrest may lead to small-magnitude explosive eruptions and hazards that could endanger communities within the volcano’s four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone, the agency said.

Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 2 for Kanlaon, indicating the possibility of another eruption. / With reports from PNA / JB, WDJ