• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Wednesday (June 18) an increase in volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island as midnight of June 17.
In its latest monitoring report, Phivolcs said it logged 28 volcanic quakes on Tuesday compared to five on Monday, and six on Sunday.
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 as it continues to exhibit a high level of volcanic unrest.
It also exhibited continuous degassing, releasing 1,790 tons of sulfur dioxide in a day. The volcano also generated a moderate plume rising 600 meters high, which drifted towards east, Phivolcs said.
The volcano’s edifice remains inflated, it added.
With the start of rainy season, the Office of Civil Defense and Phivolcs have warned residents living near Mt. Kanlaon to be vigilant against sudden lahar flow.
Donato Sermeno III, regional director of OCD Negros Island Region, warned that heavy rains could wash down more ash fall and debris from previous eruptions and trigger mudflow also known as lahar.
Isolated rain showers will continue to prevail in Negros Island and other areas of the country due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms, according to state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Severe thunderstorms could also result in flash floods or landslides, it added. | GB
