Kanlaon Volcano spews ash anew

MANILA, Philippines – The restive Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Oriental spewed ash twice yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said a low-energy  steam and ash eruption occurred at 11:40 a.m. and produced a 200-meter high white steam and ash column.

Another ash explosion was recorded at 1:01 p.m., producing light gray steam and ash column that reached 200 meters above the summit, Solidum said.

The first explosion lasted five minutes and the second nine minutes.

“Both events were observed visually but there was no significant seismic signal accompanying the events,” he said.

Phivolcs retained the volcano’s alert level 1 status, which means it is exhibiting abnormal condition.

On Nov. 25, Kanlaon exploded for 30 minutes, prompting state seismologists to raise the alert level from zero to one.

The public had been advised not to enter the four kilometer-radius permanent danger zone due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven eruptions.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has issued notices to airmen, advising pilots to observe caution when flying near the volcano.