Phivolcs warns public: Kanlaon Volcano may still erupt, stay alert

MANILA, Philippines — The public must not be complacent as Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island could still erupt, similar to what happened in June, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol said on Friday.

Last June 3, Phivolcs raised Mount Kanlaon’s status from alert level 1 to alert level 2 after an explosive eruption from its summit vent.

READ: Over P37.9 M aid extended to Negros folk affected by Kanlaon eruption

In a televised interview, Bacolcol said a similar activity could happen anytime.

“Right now, nasa alert level 2 ang Kanlaon Volcano at pwede pa rin itong mag-escalate further ang kanyang activities. Yes, possible na puputok pa rin ito,” said Bacolcol at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing when asked if there was a high chance of a phreatic eruption from the volcano again.

(Right now, Kanlaon Volcano is under alert level 2, and its activities could still escalate further. Yes, it is still possible that it could erupt.)

He also noted that a phreatic eruption is also possible even if the volcano is on alert level 0.

READ: Kanlaon evacuees hit by respiratory illnesses

“Kaya ang recommendation natin sa ating mga kababayan na huwag pumasok sa loob ng four-kilometer permanent danger zone kasi pwedeng magkaroon ng phreatic eruption anytime,” Bacolcol added.

(That’s why our recommendation to our fellow citizens is not to enter the four-kilometer permanent danger zone, as a phreatic eruption could occur at any time.)

As of September 19, the sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano’s crater currently average 8,932 metric tons a day.