At least 337 volcanic earthquakes were monitored Wednesday by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in Mount Kanlaon over 24 hours amid its increased activity.
Phivolcs warned on Tuesday that Kanlaon is likely to erupt anew after recent tremors indicated that magma has been rising or breaking the volcanic rocks.
Emitting sulfur dioxide at a rate of 9,985 tons per day, Kanlaon Volcano poses possible hazards that include sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.
The state seismology bureau recorded a 1,000-meter-high plume from the volcano that blew in a southeast direction. It also noted the volcano’s edifice is inflated.
According to Phivolcs, sulfuric odors were reported in the following localities last night across Negros Oriental: Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City; Brgy. Ara-al and Brgy. San Miguel, La Carlota City; Brgy. Masulog, Brgy. Linothangan and Brgy. Pula, Canlaon City.
Local government executives activated emergency teams yesterday with some issuing mandatory evacuation orders as precautionary measures.
Alert Level 2 remains hoisted over Kanlaon, prohibiting the public from entering its four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
