No increased Kanlaon volcanic quakes; Alert Level 3 stays

Mt. Kanlaon (Photo from PHIVOLCS)

MANILA, Philippines —No major increase in volcanic earthquakes or volcanic gas emissions have been recorded as of Tuesday afternoon following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

“No pronounced increases in volcanic earthquake, ground deformation or volcanic gas parameters have followed the eruption as of present,” said Phivolcs in its 2:00 p.m. advisory.

READ: Kanlaon Volcano goes on explosive eruption; remains on alert no. 3

Phivolcs, however, said Alert Level 3 remains raised over the volcano, which means its explosive eruption may still be followed by similar eruptions or even lava eruptions, generating lava flows and fountaining activity.

Kanlaon Volcano erupted at 5:51 a.m. on Tuesday, producing a voluminous bent plume approximately 4,000 meters high.

Thin ashfall has been reported in the following localities of Negros Occidental: La Carlota City– Brgys. Roberto Salas Benedicto, La Granja, Haguimit, Nagasi, Yubo, Ara-al, San Miguel and Cubay; Bago City– Brgys. Mailum, Ilijan, and Binubuhan, and; La Castellana– Brgys. Sag-ang and Mansalanao. 

Meanwhile, sulfurous fumes were also noted in Barangay Cubay, La Carlota City, and faintly as far as the municipality of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental.

Rumbling sounds caused by the eruption were reported in Barangays. Biak-na-Bato and Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental and Barangay Pula, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

While Alert Level 3 remains in effect, communities within its 6-kilometer radius of the summit crater must remain evacuated due to the danger of potential pyroclastic density currents (PDC), ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, ashfall, and other related hazards.

“Local government units (LGUs) must also prepare their communities within the PDC hazard zone for subsequent evacuation in case unrest further escalates and hazardous worst-case explosive eruption becomes imminent,” Phivolcs said.

Both the LGUs and residents must also exercise increased vigilance during intense rains as loose ash or pyroclastic material that has been deposited in the upper slopes of the volcano could lead to lahars and sediment-laden streamflows.