Restless Kanlaon Volcano under close watch

DUMAGUETE CITY –– Eight volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in the vicinity of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island since Wednesday.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the volcano remains under alert level 1 which means that there is abnormal activity present in the volcano.

It has been under this alert level since March 11.

Phivolcs reminded the public to remain vigilant since the most active volcano on Negros Island is still under abnormal condition.

“The local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone must be strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions,” Phivolcs said.

Kanlaon is located between the borders of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

At 2,465 meters above sea level, it is the highest point on Negros Island and in the Visayas. State volcanologists said 42 tons of sulfur dioxide were measured at the volcano last Nov. 8.

Phivolcs said a slight inflation of the lower and mid slopes, as well as a short-term electronic tilt on the southeastern flank were observed in June this year.

“This means ‘hydrothermal or magmatic processes occurring beneath the edifice of the volcano,” it said.

On Thursday, a magnitude 3.9 earthquake also rocked parts of Negros Oriental at 7:25 a.m. Phivolcs tracked the epicenter of the quake, which was tectonic in origin, in the vicinity of Siaton town.

The strongest tremors, which were reported at Intensity 3, were recorded in the town and its neighboring areas of Sta. Catalina, Zamboanguita, and Bayawan City.

Intensity 2 tremors were felt in Dauin, Pamplona, and Valencia towns, while Dumaguete City and Sibulan town reported Intensity 1 shocks from the quake.

No damage and aftershocks were expected, Phivolcs said.

LZB