Bacolod: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday warned of a high possibility of a steam-driven phreatic eruption at Kanlaon Volcano following a spike in volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol stated the rise in seismic activity and signs of pressurization could trigger short-lived, weak to moderately explosive eruptions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bacolcol emphasized that while an exact percentage could not be provided, the threat level is notably higher now compared to previous days. He urged the public to avoid the four-kilometer permanent danger zone surrounding the volcano. Between midnight to 8 a.m. on Monday, Phivolcs recorded 72 VT earthquakes, with depths reaching up to 12 km.
Bacolcol explained that increasing VT earthquakes indicate movements or cracks of stones beneath the volcano, which push pressure or gas upwards. Additionally, sulfur dioxide emissions rose from 1,122 tonnes on Saturday to 2,388 tonnes on Sunday, although this remains below the medium-term average of 2,500 tonnes per day.
Low gas emission could suggest closed system degassing, which means there’s a clog in the passage. If this condition continues along with the increase in earthquakes, there is a possibility that the volcano would emit ashes, potentially leading to a weak or moderate eruption. Bacolcol advised communities to remain alert and vigilant.