No entry to Kanlaon’s danger zone stays: Phivolcs

FILE: Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental, Philippines (Photo by Studphil/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

MANILA – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday reiterated that entry to Kanlaon Volcano’s danger zone is prohibited as the volcano remains under alert level 1.

“(The) public should strictly follow recommendation not to enter the 4-km. radius Permanent Danger Zone, as the volcano is abnormal,” Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. told the Philippine News Agency in a message.

He added that while there was no significant change in the volcano’s volcanic activities in the past 24 hours compared to the previous day, the volcano’s tectonic earthquakes at the western slope still persist.

There were 25 volcano tectonic earthquakes recorded in the western flanks in the past 24 hours, lower than the 44 volcano tectonic quakes recorded the previous day.

For the past two days, moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose 200 meters before drifting northeast and northwest was observed.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 237 tonnes/day on June 24.

Kanlaon Volcano has been under alert level 1 status since March 11, signifying that it is under an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest.

This also means that there is a possibility of sudden and hazardous stream-driven eruption or phreatic eruptions, Solidum said.

Meanwhile, among the country’s volcanoes, Taal and Kanlaon are under alert level 1, while Mayon remains under alert level 2 (decreased unrest).

Solidum said Bulusan Volcano has been under alert level 0 (normal) since January 25. It was under alert level 1 for eight months, or from May 5, 2019 to Jan. 24, 2020.