By Ellalyn V. Ruiz
At least 155 volcanic earthquakes were detected by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology 24-hour seismic monitoring network near Mount Kanlaon in Negros Oriental.
The earthquakes were recorded from 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. yesterday.
Phivolcs also said moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose to 1,000 meters before drifting southwest was observed.
A continuous Global Positioning System data monitoring showed a slight inflation of the volcano’s edifice which has been visible since December 2015.
Kanlaon also generated a steam-driven or low-energy phreatic eruption last Saturday, which led to the volcano’s ejection of steam and dark ash.
The eruption happened around 9:47 a.m. and lasted approximately 10 minutes, based on the Kanlaon seismic monitoring network.
Last Nov. 15, Phivolcs raised Kanlaon’s alert level to two, meaning the volcano is undergoing a moderate level of unrest. It said the volcano’s Alert Level 2 status prevails.
Phivolcs warned that there is a probable intrusion of magma at depth which may or may not lead to a magmatic eruption.
It reminded the concerned local government units and the public of the strict entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone.
The entry into the PDZ is strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, Phivolcs said.
Civil aviation authorities were asked to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.
According to Phivolcs, Kanlaon had 30 eruptions in history and the last time was in June 18, 2016.