Experts fear ‘eruptive unrest’ in Mt. Kanlaon

CALM FOR NOW Mt. Kanlaon, which erupted in June 3 that caused thousands to flee their homes, does not show any sign of restiveness in this photo taken in mid-October, even as it remains under alert level 2, which means the probable intrusion of magma in its crater that can lead to another eruption. —RONNIE BALDONADO

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