Phivolcs: 64 earthquakes recorded at Mt. Kanlaon, it might erupt

DANGER LURKS. A screen grab of a footage taken on September 11, 2024 by Phivolcs’ Canlaon City Observation Station shows the active degassing from the summit crater of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island. Local governments near the volcano have ordered community evacuations amid the increasing unrest of Mt. Kanlaon. — PHOTO COURTESY OF PHIVOLCS

BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued a notice of increased volcanic-tectonic (VT) earthquakes at Mt. Kanlaon on Negros island on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Mari-Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Mt. Kanlaon Observatory, said 64 VT earthquakes were recorded at the volcano since 12 a.m. on Thursday, warning the public of a possible eruption.

Phivolcs explained that VT earthquakes are generated by rock-fracturing processes, and the increase in VT activity strongly indicates progressive rock fracturing beneath the volcano as rising magma drives a path toward the surface.

Volcanic sulfur dioxide emission from the summit crater of Mt. Kanlaon is also at an elevated level with 7,087 tons recorded on Wednesday, Quintia said.

Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic sulfur dioxide this year at an average rate of 1,273 tons per day prior to its June 3 eruption. But emissions since then have been particularly elevated at a current average of 4,234 per day.

The Phivolcs reminded the public that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) is raised over Mt. Kanlaon, and the current seismic activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the alert level.

The public was also strongly advised to be ready and vigilant, and to avoid entry into the four-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, and rockfall.

In case of ash fall, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask, Phivolcs said.

Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft, Phivolcs added.