By JEN BAYLON

The entry within Kanlaon Volcano’s permanent danger zone has been temporarily suspended, the Office of Civil Defense in the Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) said following increased volcanic activity observed in recent days.

“Entry within the six-kilometer extended danger zone during the 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. window period is suspended effective May 28 until further notice,” OCD-NIR said in a Facebook post.

The window period is typically allowed for farming and other essential activities.

“There should be no people within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone because, as far as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology [Phivolcs] is concerned, there should be absolutely no activity inside,” OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno said.

“Our recommendation is clear, but it is ultimately up to the local government units to enforce or follow it,” he added.

Sermeno further noted that, based on previous experiences, these parameters may be precursors to sudden eruptions.

There were 31 volcanic earthquakes recorded at the volcano, based on Phivolcs’ Kanlaon Volcano Bulletin yesterday.

“We have observed a rise in the number of earthquakes and sulfur dioxide emissions,” Sermeno said.

The sulfur dioxide flux was measured at 1,020 tons per day as of Monday, May 26, with a volcanic plume reaching 700 meters tall.

The plume was described as moderate, with continuous degassing and drifting northwest.

Phivolcs noted that the increase in volcanic earthquakes and sulfur dioxide emissions is typical for Alert Level 3 status.

Kanlaon is currently under Alert Level 3, which signals increased unrest with a moderate risk of eruption.

Authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely and urge the public to comply with safety measures and avoid entering restricted areas./JB, WDJ