Phivolcs warns of eruptive unrest on Kanlaon Volcano

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — State volcanologists warned of an “eruptive unrest” after Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island showed an increase in seismic activity yesterday.

An advisory issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) prompted local government units to order a mandatory evacuation of residents and class suspension in areas near the volcano.

Phivolcs said it recorded 288 volcanic-tectonic earthquakes from Kanlaon since Tuesday night until yesterday morning.

Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental ordered a mandatory evacuation of residents and suspension of classes in areas within the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone of the volcano.

Mayor Renato Gustilo of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental banned any human activity within the volcano’six-kilometer radius as ground shaking and sulfur stench were manifested in the area.

Phivolcs said the volcanic-tectonic temblors were caused by rock fracturing processes beneath the volcano as rising magma drive a path toward the surface.

Groundshaking from Kanlaon’s seismic activity and sulfur stench were reported in several barangays in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

As of yesterday, Kanlaon remained under Alert Level 2 or increasing unrest.