Increased activity in Kanlaon Volcano, 41 quakes recorded — Phivolcs

Residents look toward the Kanlaon volcano from Kanlaon, central Philippines. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday afternoon reported an increase in volcanic activity in Kanlaon Volcano, with a total of  41 earthquakes recorded since June 30.

“These included seven very shallow tornillo signals that could be associated with volcanic gas movement along with the fractures within the upper volcanic slopes,” said Phivolcs in an advisory.

A short-term slight inflation was also recorded through ground deformation monitoring in the lower and mid slopes of the volcano since January 2022, which is consistent with the recorded inflation of southeastern flanks since March 2022, according to Phivolcs.

“The increased seismic activity and short-term ground deformation are likely caused by shallow hydrothermal processes beneath the edifice that could generate phreatic or stream-driven eruptions from the summit crater,” Phivolcs explained.

With this, Alert Level 1 continues to prevail over Kanlaon Volcano, which means it is currently at a low-level unrest, said Phivolcs.

Phivolcs reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited “due to possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic explosions.”

“DOST–PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s condition and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders,” it said.

/MUF