• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has warned residents near Kanlaon Volcano to be vigilant and take precautionary measures following ongoing volcanic activities.
PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol reported yesterday during an interview that 78 volcanic-tectonic (VT) earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, indicating heightened underground activity that could precede an eruption.
He explained that volcanic-tectonic earthquakes occur when rocks beneath the volcano crack due to the movement of magma, marking the initial stage of the eruption process.
“The volcano is searching for pathways, breaking rocks in the process,” he said.
Despite the unrest, science cannot yet predict the exact time of an eruption.
“At this stage, we cannot determine if it will result in an eruption, but continued monitoring is essential. If activity escalates, it could progress to low-frequency earthquakes, tremors, and potentially phreatic to moderately explosive eruptions, as indicated in our advisory issued Tuesday,” he further explained.
Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 2, which indicates increasing unrest. PHIVOLCS urges nearby communities and residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols.
Increased seismic activity serves as a reminder of the volcano’s volatility. Residents near Kanlaon, especially in the towns surrounding the mountain, are advised to stay alert for updates from local authorities and PHIVOLCS.*
