By JEN BAYLON
Kanlaon Volcano continues to exhibit unrest, marked by ash emissions and elevated seismic activity, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
As of 8:00 a.m. yesterday, 14 volcanic earthquakes accompanied by two ash emissions were recorded at Kanlaon, which is currently at Alert Level 2, indicating increased unrest, Phivolcs said.
The volcano also showed a substantial sulfur dioxide flux of approximately 4,900 tons per day, as of Sunday, November 3.
Mari-Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist at the Phivolcs’ Kanlaon Observatory in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City, said the recent degassing of the volcano reached up to 750 meters in height.
A voluminous plume from Kanlaon drifted northeast, spreading ash towards Bago City and Murcia town.
Quintia said ash fall was also seen in Barangay Pula’s Upper Pantawan in Negros Oriental’s Canlaon City.
Despite the volcanic activity, Murcia Mayor Gerry Roxas said no ash fall has been observed in the municipality.
However, Merijene Ortiz, officer of the Murcia Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, confirmed a thin ash fall and a strong sulfur smell were detected in Guintubdan, Baranagy Ilihan.
Due to safety concerns, 18 tourism staff members from the Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center in Guintubdan temporarily suspended work.
The Phivolcs advised residents in communities near Kanlaon to wear face masks as ash fall and sulfur dioxide could trigger lung diseases and could pose danger to those with comorbidities.
Entry to Kanlaon’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited, and aircraft are advised to avoid flying near the area due to potential hazards from sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, Phivolcs said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Girlie Pinongan said they continue to monitor the health conditions of residents around Kanlaon.
Pinongan said they have not noted any increase in respiratory ailments.
She advised residents to wear masks when Kanlaon emissions occur./JB, WDJ