Kanlaon Volcano update: 53 quakes recorded; Alert Level 2 stays

Mt. Kanlaon as seen from Barangay Masulog in La Castellana, Negros Occidental (Photo from INQUIRER Visayas Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-three volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Kanlaon Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Wednesday.

Forty-three volcanic earthquakes were previously recorded.

While it did not observe eruptions during the period, Phivolcs said that Alert Level 2 remains in place over the volcano.

Phivolcs added that the Kanlaon Volcano released 4,113 tons of sulfur dioxide.

It also unleashed a 2,000-meter-high plume that drifted south-southwest and northwest.

Phivolcs further said that the volcano’s edifice remains inflated.

Hence, it reminded the public that entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone and flying any aircraft near the volcano remain prohibited.

Threats of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions are also possible, Phivolcs warned.