• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The seismic activity of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island has further increased as it recorded 78 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Thursday (Jan. 15).
“This is only the initial stage. We cannot judge it, based on the surge of one data. We have to see if this is consistent, if this will escalate in the next few days,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.
Still, Bacolcol said the increase in VT events could lead to increased chances of steam-driven or phreatic eruption, or shortlived weak to moderately explosive eruptions.
Phivolcs also logged almost three hours of ash emission on Jan. 15, bringing to 13 the number of such volcanic activity since Jan. 3 this year.
The VT earthquakes are generated by rock fracturing processes and the increase in such activity strongly indicates progressive rock fracturing beneath the volcano, as rising magma or magmatic gas drives a path towards the surface.
Alert Level 2 remains in effect at Kanlaon Volcano, which prohibits the presence of inhabitants within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
A magnitude 2.8 VT quake occurred in La Carlota City, and magnitude 1.1 of similar origin was also reported in Moises Padilla town on Thursday. | GB
