Four new volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island following two days of increased activity, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Saturday, August 31.

Based on the agency’s latest 24-hour monitoring reports, Kanlaon’s four new quakes on Friday, August 30, are half of the eight recorded on Thursday, August 29, and nearly a third of the 11 observed on Wednesday, August 28.

Sulfur dioxide emissions also eased to 3,189 tons on Thursday, a decline from 4,418 tons logged the day before.

Last Saturday, Phivolcs reported that Kanlaon released 6,367 tonnes of volcanic sulfur dioxide, its third-highest volume so far this year.

The latest plumes on Friday rose 500 meters, driving west and southwest.

Kanlaon’s ground deformation was described as inflated.

Alert Level 2 remained in effect over Kanlaon, meaning increased unrest has been observed.

Entry into the volcano’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone remained prohibited.

Flying of aircraft close to the volcano is similarly barred.

Kanlaon had a phreatic eruption on June 3, emitting plumes that rose 5,000 meters.

Also in June, the Office of Civil Defense reported that 29,739 individuals or 8,580 families were affected by Kanlaon’s eruption, with damage to agriculture pegged at P104.8 million. (GMA Integrated News)