Phivolcs logs 9 ash emissions at Kanlaon Volcano

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded nine ash emissions at Kanlaon Volcano, with one lasting over three hours over the weekend, Phivolcs reported yesterday.

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the Canlaon City and Mansalanao stations recorded the emission from 5:58 a.m. to 9:02 a.m. on Saturday. The plume reached 700 meters, drifting southwest and south-southwest.

Eighteen volcanic quakes, including 12 tremors, were logged. Sulfur dioxide flux was recorded to be at 1,375 tons per day.

Phivolcs said the volcanic edifice remains inflated.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs raised the status of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon to Alert Level 1, or “low-level unrest,” amid a sustained series of volcanic earthquakes that began on March 15.

Phivolcs tallied 475 weak volcanic quakes, associated with rock fracturing at shallow depths beneath the volcano edifice. 

“The parameters could indicate that shallow hydrothermal processes beneath the volcano are underway that could lead to steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at any of its summit vents,” Phivolcs said.