BY JEN BAYLON
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warns of another massive eruption at Kanlaon Volcano, as it continues to exhibit signs of increased unrest.
“Kanlaon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 2, and its activities could further escalate,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said on “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” yesterday.
“Another eruption is possible,” he added.
Bacolcol said steam-driven explosions or phreatic eruptions are also likely to happen soon.
“That’s why we highly advise the public not to enter the four-kilometer permanent danger zone [PDZ] because there could be phreatic eruptions anytime,” Bacolcol said.
A total of 45 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded at Kanlaon, indicating heightened seismic activity beneath the surface, Phivolcs said in its latest bulletin yesterday.
The sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate remains elevated, with an average of 8,932 tons per day.
The high SO2 levels suggest ongoing volcanic degassing, hinting at magma movement within the volcano, the agency said.
Moderate emissions from the volcano were also observed, as plumes reached 150 meters in height, drifting towards the northeast and east.
Ground deformation data further revealed that the edifice of the volcano has inflated, which could indicate that magma is building up pressure.
Phivolcs advises residents living within PDZ to drink plenty of water in case of exposure to sulfur fumes, and to rinse eyes with clean water if there is eye irritation.
Aircraft are also prohibited from flying close to the volcano due to the risk of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, which could occur without warning.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Since its eruption last June 3, Kanlaon’s emissions have been particularly high, at an average of 3,347 tons per day, Phivolcs said.
At least 17,000 families or 57,000 individuals from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have been affected by the continuing unrest, data from the Office of Civil Defense showed./JB, WDJ