Kanlaon Volcano update: Fewer quakes recorded

 MANILA, Philippines — The number of earthquakes recorded from the western flanks of Kanlaon Volcano in the last 24 hours was further reduced to 15, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in its 8 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday.

Phivolcs said it observed from the volcano a “weak to moderate emission” of white steam-laden plumes that rose 100 meters before drifting northwest to northeast.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 116 tons per day on June 27. SO2 is a major gas component of magma.

Phivolcs noted that ground deformation data indicate a slight deflation of the volcano’s lower and mid slopes since January.

“Short-term electronic tilt monitoring” on the southeastern flanks recorded inflation on its lower to mid slopes that began on June 21.

“These parameters indicate hydrothermal or magmatic processes occurring beneath the edifice,” the agency explained.

In it’s Monday bulletin, Phivolcs said Kanlaon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded sixteen volcano-tectonic earthquakes on the western flanks and four volcanic earthquakes in the summit area during the 24-hour observation period.

Alert Level 1 remains in effect in the volcano’s vicinity, while entry into the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited due to possible sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

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