Mt. Kanlaon still emitting gas, 27 quakes recorded on Jan. 3 – Phivolcs

Aerial view of the restive Kanlaon Volcano’s crater. | PHOTO: Task Force Kanlaon via Carla P. Gomez, Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island continued to emit sulfur dioxide, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) monitored 27 volcanic earthquakes on Friday, January 3.

According to Phivolcs’ bulletin on Saturday, Kanlaon was releasing an average of 5,840 tonnes of sulfur dioxide per day as of Friday, while its plume or ash column is 750 meters tall.

Most earthquakes recorded in the past 24 hours were located northeast of the summit, Phivolcs’ graph revealed. According to the agency, the volcano’s edifice is still inflated.

Alert Level 3 remains in place for Kanlaon Volcano, Phivolcs added.

The agency still recommends evacuating residents within the six-kilometer radius of the summit, while flying aircraft anywhere near the volcano is not allowed.

Phivolcs said among the possible hazards that may occur are the following:

• Sudden explosive eruption
• Lava flow or effusion
• Ashfall
• Pyroclastic Density Current
• Rockfall
• Lahars during heavy rains

Friday marks the third straight day that over 20 earthquakes were recorded near Mt. Kanlaon. Last Wednesday, January 1, 28 volcanic tremors were observed, while seven ash emissions were tallied.

READ: Kanlaon Volcano spews ash, logs 28 volcanic quakes