• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
More than a month after its phreatic eruption on June 3, Kanlaon volcano remains restive, having emitted 3,765 tons of sulfur dioxide in the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
PHIVOLCS said two volcanic earthquakes were also recorded around Kanlaon volcano in Negros Island, with emission plumes reaching 300 meters high, and drifting southwest.
The volcano’s edifice remains inflated, state seismologists added.
On July 2, increased seismic activity at Kanlaon was observed after it generated at least 90 volcanic earthquakes.
Alert level 2 is still in effect over Kanlaon and entry into the volcano’s four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited.
“The overall monitoring parameters indicate that magmatic processes beneath the volcano may be driving current unrest, causing increased volcanic and seismic activities, persistently high concentrations of volcanic gas emission and swelling of the edifice,” PHIVOLCS said.
On the other hand, business is back to normal in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, as it has reopened tourism sites for visitors.*
