By CESAR JOLITO III

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 21 volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano in just 24 hours from Sunday, May 3 to early Monday, May 4, signaling continued unrest in one of the country’s most active volcanoes.

According to Phivolcs, the seismic activity included volcanic tremors that lasted for more than three minutes.

The agency also recorded a significant emission of sulfur dioxide, reaching 2,852 tons in the same period.

Steam-laden plumes rose up to 600 meters high and drifted west and southwest directions, while ash emission persisted for about 38 minutes.

Authorities also noted ongoing swelling or inflation of the volcano’s edifice, an indication of subsurface magma movement.

Despite these developments, Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Kanlaon, indicating moderate unrest.

Phivolcs reiterated that entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone remains strictly prohibited due to the risk of sudden eruptions.

The agency also warned against flying any aircraft close to the volcano’s summit, citing potential hazards from ash plumes and sudden explosive activity.

Local government units and disaster response teams continue to closely monitor the situation as part of heightened preparedness measures in affected areas across Negros Island./CJ, WDJ