Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island continues to emit white steam-laden plumes as it remains under Alert Level 1.
“Moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose 200 meters before drifting northwest was observed,” PHIVOLCS said in its 8 am bulletin for Kanlaon Volcano on Thursday.
Kanlaon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded forty-four (44) volcano-tectonic earthquakes on the western flanks during the 24-hour observation period.
“Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 237 tonnes/day on 24 June 2020. Ground deformation data from continuous GPS measurements indicate a slight deflation of the lower and mid slopes since January 2020,” the report said.
Short-term electronic tilt monitoring on the southeastern flanks recorded continuing deflation on the lower slopes but inflation on the mid slopes since April 2020. These parameters indicate that hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the edifice.
DOST-PHIVOLCS reminded the public that Kanlaon Volcano is at Alert Level 1, which means that it is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest.
“The local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions,” it said.
Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.
Also read: Phivolcs Kanlaon Volcano Update
Mayon Volcano Update
Mayon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network did not detect any volcanic earthquake during the 24-hour observation period. Moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that crept downslope before drifting west and west-northwest was observed.
DOST-PHIVOLCS reiterates that Alert Level 2 currently prevails over Mayon because the volcano is at a moderate level of unrest. It is therefore strongly recommended that entry into the six kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ and a precautionary seven kilometer-radius Extended Danger Zone or EDZ.
The public is reminded that sudden explosions, lava collapse, pyroclastic density currents or PDCs and ashfall can occur without warning and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of Mayon.