Experts fear ‘eruptive unrest’ in Mt. Kanlaon

BACOLOD CITY—The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued on Thursday a notice of increased volcanic-tectonic (VT) earthquakes at Mt. Kanlaon on Negros island.  Mari-Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Mt. Kanlaon Observatory, said 64 VT earthquakes were recorded at the volcano since 12 a.m. on Thursday, warning the public of a possible eruption.

Kanlaon has been degassing increased concentrations of volcanic sulfur dioxide this year at an average rate of 1,273 tons per day prior to its June 3 eruption. But emissions since then have been particularly elevated at a current average of 4,234 per day. The Phivolcs reminded the public that Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) is raised over Mt. Kanlaon, and the current seismic activity may lead to eruptive unrest and an increase in the alert level.