Kanlaon volcano inflates

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has reported the continued pronounced inflation of the Kanlaon volcano, which indicated pressurization deep beneath its edifice.

Maria Antonia Bornas, Phivolcs chief science research specialist, who on Tuesday briefed members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council on the status of Kanlaon volcano, said the inflation of the volcano had also a similar recording at Mayon volcano in October 2017, which explosion took place three months after.

But Bornas said that there is no sign yet, which will warrant to increase the alert level from 2 to 3, as of this time.

Alert Level 2 still remains at Kanlaon volcano, although the earthquake seismicity and sulfur dioxide emission have reduced, she said.

Phivolcs reported two volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours, with moderate emission of white-steam laden plumes that rose 300 meters from the summit before drifting southwest and northwest.

Alert Level 2 still prevails over Kanlaon, which means that the volcano is undergoing a moderate level of unrest due to probable intrusion of magma at depth that may or may not lead to magmatic eruption, according to Phivolcs

Ground deformation date from continuous GPS measurements indicate a more pronounced inflation of the edifice since December 2015. Sulfur dioxide emission was measured at an average of 76 tons per day on March 19, Phivolcs said in a bulletin it issued.

Phivolcs set up six monitoring stations around Kanlaon volcano, to monitor its daily activities.

Bornas said there was no magmatic eruption at Kanlaon volcano since 1902, except for phreatic and steam-driven eruption. Should there be a magmatic eruption, there will be a definite precursory activity, such as earthquakes. But as of this time, there is no sign to raise it to alert level 3 it, she said.

While they have monitoring stations, Bornas also stressed the need for utmost cooperation of the residents around the volcano, to report any abnormality they will observe, witness or experience a phenomenon.

Bornas also suggested local government units surrounding the Kanlaon volcano to review their preparations for evacuation, and pre-positioning of their resources, in case of eruption.

Phivolcs reminded LGUs and the public that entry into the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.