Kanlaon, Bulusan showing signs of possible phreatic eruption —PHIVOLCS

Kanlaon and Bulusan Volcanoes are showing signs they will go through phreatic or stream-driven eruptions, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Thursday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, PHIVOLCS officer-in-charge Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that what concerns the agency is the “tornillo type volcanic earthquakes” monitored around Kanlaon in past days.

“Noong mga nakaraang araw meron tayong na-record na tinatawag na tornillo type volcanic earthquake event. Ito po ay isang hugis turnilyo at ito po ang nagbibigay ng parang concern sa atin,” he said.

(We have recorded a tornillo type volcanic earthquake. This is a screw-shaped pattern on a seismograph, which is a cause of concern.)

According to him, the tornillo volcanic earthquake event is usually followed by a phreatic or steam-driven explosion, adding that volcano is swollen.

Also, Solidum said PHIVOLCS is seeing possible phreatic or steam-driven explosions of Bulusan.

“Pareho po ng Bulkang Kanlaon, nakikita natin na posibleng magkaroon din ng steam-driven explosion ang Bulusan. At importante na pag-ingatan ito

(Like in Kanlaon Volcano, we are also seeing a possible stream-driven explosion in Bulusan. So it is important to be cautious.)

Solidum reminded concerned residents to avoid the four-kilometer permanent danger zone of the volcanoes.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Thursday, PHIVOLCS said five volcanic earthquakes in Kanlaon and 11 in Bulusan were recorded in the past 24 hours. —LBG, GMA  News