• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded an increase in volcanic quakes and sulfur dioxide gas emissions from the Kanlaon volcano over the past 24 hours, compared to previous days.
Phivolcs logged 55 volcanic quakes in the past 24 hours, compared to 25 on September 21 and 45 quakes on the 20th.
It also recorded emissions of 10,449 tons of sulfur dioxide from the volcano’s summit on Sunday, compared to 10,228 tons spewed on Sept. 21, and 8,932 tons on Sept. 19.
In a televised interview at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol raised the possibility of another eruption, similar to what happened on June 3, as the volcano remains under heightened alert.
Alert Level 2 indicates that a state of increasing unrest still prevails at the 8,087 foot tall Kanlaon volcano, and prohibits entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
The PHIVOLCS advisory states that steam-driven explosions, or phreatic eruptions, are also likely to happen soon.
State volcanologists noted increased seismic activity at the volcano, since it erupted three months ago.
The volcano edifice remains inflated.
PHIVOLCS also reported the stench of sulfur in the barangays of Mailum and Ilijan in Bago City, Negros Occidental, Brgys. Pula, Lumapao, and Malaiba in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and at the Kanlaon volcano observatory.
On the other hand, Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan, in her executive order No. 2024-036, stated that regular classes will resume today, Sept. 22.*
