- MITCH M. LIPA
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology ad Seismology recorded nine volcanic quakes in Mt. Kanlaon during the 5 a.m. observation record on Feb. 16.
The recent activity shows that the active volcano is in restive mode but the parameters indicate that it still in Alert Level 1.
This has nothing to do with the recent activity of Mt. Taal since they are entirely separate volcanoes, Phivolcs said.
Engr. Mary Andylene Quintia of Phivolcs La Carlota City Station in Negros Occidental said they have noted a slight inflation of the lower and middle slopes of the volcano, which may indicate hydrothermal or magmatic processes occurring deep beneath the edifice.
The number of the recent volcanic quakes is normal based on the previous records of Mt. Kanlaon’s activities.
Quintia added that recently, there was an increase in gas emission but Phivolcs believe that monsoon rains might have triggered the level of rain water at the crater, bringing sulfur dioxide gas emission to increase.
Phivolcs advised the local government units with barangays at the foot of the volcano to strictly implement prohibition of entry by any individual in the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone since the recent activity based on the previous records might trigger phreatic eruption.
Since June last year, the volcano was placed under Alert Level 1 and has been off limits to trekkers.
The Kanlaon Green Brigade and DENR Park Superintendent Office had been advised of the recent activity, Quintia said. — MML
