Alert level 1 up in Kanlaon Volcano after steam explosion

Residents look towards the Kanlaon volcano from Kanlaon, central Philippines. AFP File Photo

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has hoisted Alert Level 1 over Kanlaon volcano on Tuesday after it had a steam explosion.

The steam explosion, which occurred at 9:55 p.m. on Monday, lasted for eight minutes, Phivolcs reported.

READ: Kanlaon Volcano spews ash; no injuries reported | Mt. Kanlaon sa Negros, nagbuga ng abo

“The explosion produced a 1.0-1.5 kilometer high white plume above the summit before drifting towards the southwest,” it said.

On Tuesday morning, Kanlaon continues to emit steam with minor ash.

Prior to Monday night’s steam explosion, only four volcanic quakes were recorded in Kanlaon. However, a volcanic tremor which lasted five hours has since recorded after the explosion.

An Alert Level 1 status prohibits anyone from entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone around the Kanlaon volcano.

Pilots are warned from flying too close to the volcano’s crater as “ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.” IDL