• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported increased seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano, as it recorded 45 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes on January 14, which strongly indicates rising magma towards its surface.
Mari-Andylene Quintia, PHIVOLCS resident volcanologists stationed at Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in La Carlota City, disclosed the epicenter was recorded at the northwestern side of Kanlaon Volcano, with Intensities to 1 to 4 were felt in cities of La Carlota, Bago, and Bacolod in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
In an advisory it issued, PHIVOLCS said the events ranged in strength between magnitude 0.6 to 3.9 and were generated at depths of zero to 13 kilometers.
Quintia recalled that there was a swarm of volcanic quakes several days before the May 12 elections. It was followed by an explosive eruption of the volcano on May 13. In June 2020, a swarm of volcanic quakes at the western side of the volcano edifice also took place. However, the eruption occurred in June 2024, she added.
Prior to the increased seismic activity of Kanlaon, PHIVOLCS had recorded 12 ash emission events since January 3 at the volcano.
The increase in VT events could lead to increased chances of steam-driven, or phreatic eruptions, or short-lived weak to moderately explosive eruptions occurring at the summit, that could generate life-threatening volcanic hazards, such as pyroclastic density currents, or PDCs, ballistic projectiles, ashfall, rockfall, and others
Quintia said Alert Level 2 remains in effect at Kanlaon Volcano.
There is no potential yet to raise it to Alert Level 3, she added, noting that only seismic activity has increased.
Quintia, however, stressed the need for communities near the volcano to be alert at all times.*
