Phivolcs: Kanlaon shows signs of increased activity

MANILA, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental is showing increased activity, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned the public yesterday.

Phivolcs said 18 volcanic earthquakes, which include four “very shallow tornillo signals that are associated with magmatic gas movement along fractures within the upper volcanic slopes,” were recorded in the past 24 hours.

“Degassing activity from the crater has been very weak to moderate and low steam-laden plumes that rose only 200 meters before drifting northwest were last observed on Jan. 16,” a Phivolcs bulletin issued yesterday read.

Phivolcs said ground deformation data indicate short-term slight inflation of the edifice since  mid-October last year.

“The increased seismic activity and short-term ground deformation are likely caused by shallow hydrothermal processes beneath the edifice that could generate phreatic or steam-driven eruptions from the summit crater,” the agency said.

It reminded the public that Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 1, which means that it is in an abnormal condition.

“Local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited due to possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions,” Phivolcs said.

Civil aviation authorities were asked to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.  – Gilbert Bayoran