Bacolod City – If the present activities of Kanlaon volcano continues to persist, there is a possibility that Alert Level 3 may be declared anytime, resident volcanologist Mari Andylene Quintia disclosed recently.
Comparing the activities of Kanlaon volcano to when it had a phreatic eruption on June 3, Quintia, resident volcanologist of the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in La Carlota City, said its eruptive mode now is “high” in an interview with RMN DYHB.
Alert Level 3 means there is an “increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption,” coming from the “increasing unrest” under Alert Level 2, which currently remains in effect over Kanlaon volcano.
Over the past 24 hours, PHIVOLCS logged 19 volcanic quakes and reported that Kanlaon emitted 2,296 tons of sulfur dioxide on July 15, when the normal sulfur dioxide emissions is 300 tons.
PHIVOLCS also noted the ongoing increased ground deformation changes at the middle and lower southeastern slopes of Kanlaon volcano edifice, since June 18.
Considering that volcanic earthquake activity and elevated volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions persist, PHIVOLCS said in an advisory that the latest changes in ground deformation parameters could further indicate that magmatic intrusion beneath the edifice may be taking place, warning of increased chances of eruptive activity.
Of the 8,987 families affected by the phreatic eruption of Kanlaon volcano, almost all have returned to their respective residences, except for 11 families in La Castellana who are residing within the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office. (Gilbert Bayoran)