• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island continues to show restiveness as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported to have recorded 18 volcanic quakes as of 12 a.m. yesterday.
The volcano is presently under Alert Level 3, indicating intensified or magmatic unrest.
In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs also reported sulfur dioxide flux of 2,407 tons from the volcano’s crater.
It also produced a voluminous plume 150 meters high, drifting west direction, with continuous degassing also noted by state volcanologists.
On March 7, a single ash emission event was reported by Phivolcs, after the volcano recorded seven ash eruptions on March 6.
In a statement on Sunday, Phivolcs said that Kanlaon Volcano continues to build pressure thus, Alert Level 3 will not be lowered.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said in a news report that data on the volcano’s ground deformation showed inflation.
“It indicates that the pressure is still building up beneath the volcano,” he said.
Bacolcol said the Phivolcs continues to monitor the volcano, particularly volcanic earthquakes and sulfur dioxide emissions.
“It’s difficult to say if the volcano is more likely to erupt or calm down because the ongoing inflation means pressure is building up,” he added. | GB
