MANILA, Philippines – Despite a recent decrease in the number of recorded volcanic earthquakes, the Alert Level for Kanlaon Volcano remains at 2. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol emphasized on Friday that it is still too early to lower the alert status.
From midnight on June 6 to midnight on June 7, Phivolcs recorded 14 volcanic earthquakes. This is a notable decrease from the 27 and 53 volcanic earthquakes recorded during the previous two days, June 5-6 and June 4-5, respectively.
“It’s only been four days since Kanlaon Volcano erupted, so we really have to monitor this daily and observe for a longer period, at least two weeks,” Bacolcol stated during an interview on Radyo630.
In addition to the seismic activity, Phivolcs reported that Kanlaon Volcano released 1,412 tons of sulfur dioxide and emitted a 2,000-meter-high plume in a northeast and southeast direction. The volcano’s edifice remains inflated, indicating ongoing volcanic activity.
Phivolcs has reiterated that the four-kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano remains off-limits, and flying any aircraft near the volcano is still prohibited.
Kanlaon Volcano, located between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, erupted on the evening of June 3. On June 5, continuous rain triggered lahar flows in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Given the current activity and potential hazards, Phivolcs continues to closely monitor Kanlaon Volcano and advises the public to stay alert and adhere to safety guidelines.
