• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island continues to experience sustained volcanic unrest, with multiple ash emission events recorded from April 1 to 12.
Based on records of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the Office of Civil Defense – Negros Island Region reported that Kanlaon Volcano logged 22 ash emission events during that mentioned period.
The April 12 ash emission lasted 54 minutes, with grayish plumes rising 900 meters above the crater or Kanlaon, indicating continued shallow magmatic-phreatic activity.
However, Alert Level 2 prevails over the volcano, and entry into the 4km danger zone is strictly prohibited.
OCD-NIR also advised the public to take precautions due to possible ashfall drifting toward the southwest and southeast directions.
Seven volcanic earthquakes, including a volcanic tremor, which also lasted 51minutes, were recorded by PHIVOLCS.
Ma. Antonia Bornas, chief of the PHIVOLCS Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, earlier said that the ongoing series of ash emissions from Kanlaon Volcano are a “good sign,” suggesting that the volcano’s vents are not clogged.
PHIVOLCS has recorded intense activity at Kanlaon Volcano, with moderately explosive eruptions taking place on February 19, 26, and March 15, where plumes as high as 5,000 meters were generated.*
