MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental after a series of earthquakes was recorded on its western lower flanks.
Phivolcs said the series of earthquakes started at 4:03 p.m. Sunday.
“As of 01:50 AM, a total of 81 events have been recorded,” said Phivolcs.
It said the strongest earthquake so far was registered at magnitude 4.7 at 1:15 a.m. on Monday and was felt at Intensity V at La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.
“DOST (Department of Science and Technology)-PHIVOLCS would like to assure the public especially the local communities in Negros Island that we are keeping close watch and shall inform all concerned of any further developments,” it added.
In an earlier bulletin on Sunday, Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 is still in effect, meaning Kanlaon Volcano is in an abnormal state and has entered a period of unrest.
Phivolcs raised alert level 1 over the volcano on March 11.
“Ground deformation data from continuous GPS (Global Positioning System) measurements indicate a slight deflation of the lower and mid slopes since January 2020,” read Phivolcs’ bulletin.
“Short-term electronic tilt monitoring on the southeastern flanks recorded continuing deflation on the lower slopes but inflation on the mid slopes since April 2020,” it added.
Phivolcs said these parameters indicate that hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the surface.
The public was warned against approaching or entering the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone where sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions are possible.