‘Eruptive unrest’ possible amid series of Kanlaon Volcano earthquakes

MANILA, Philippines – State volcanologists warned the public that they could further raise the alert level of Negros Island’s Kanlaon Volcano, after a series of volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes were recorded on Monday, September 9.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in an advisory late Monday evening that 25 VT earthquakes have been recorded since 8:32 am, with 22 of these occurring 10:35 pm onwards.

At least five of the VT earthquakes were felt by residents of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, added the agency.

“Current seismic activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the alert level,” Phivolcs warned.

Kanlaon Volcano has been under Alert Level 2 since its June 3 eruption, which was its first eruption since December 2017 and the 43rd recorded since 1866.

Alert levels range from 0 (normal) to 5 (hazardous eruption in progress).

Phivolcs further explained that VT earthquakes “are generated by rock fracturing processes.”

The agency reminded the public not to enter the 4-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone surrounding Kanlaon “to minimize risks from volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, and others.” Ashfall and lahar flows remain possible as well. – Rappler.com