Phivolcs: Kanlaon, Bulusan showing signs of phreatic eruption

IN CALMER TIMES Mt. Kanlaon, one of the country’s active volcanoes is calm in this photo taken in February. Government volcanologists have been closely watching the volcano following its increased activity recently. —RONNIE BALDONADO /CONTRIBUTOR

MANILA, Philippines —  Mt. Kanlaon in Negros and Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon may soon have phreatic or steam-driven explosions, based on their recent activities, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday.

Phivolcs officer-in-charge Renato Solidum Jr. said the agency had monitored a “tornillo type volcanic earthquake” around Kanlaon in the past several days, which he said is concerning.

He said this type of volcanic earthquake usually follows a phreatic explosion. However, he noted that the volcano is also swollen.

“Mga nakaraang araw, mayroon tayong narecord na tornillo-type volcanic earthquake event — hugis turnilyo. Ito ang nagbibigay ng concern sa atin kasi pag nakikita natin ito, nagkakaroon ng phreatic or steam-driven explosion,” Solidum said.

“Namamaga pa rin ang bulkan at ‘yun pa rin ang kailangan natin paghandaan,” he added.

Mt. Bulusan. INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON FILE PHOTO

Solidum said Phivolcs is also seeing possible steam-driven explosions over Bulusan.

“Katulad ng Bulkang Kanlaon, nakikita natin na posibleng magkaroon din ng steam-driven explosion ang Bulkang Bulusan at importante na pag-ingatan ito,” he said.

He advised residents near the volcanoes to be safe to avoid the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.

He said the current activities of the volcanoes are not yet alarming but residents must be ready for any circumstances.

JMS/abc