PHIVOLCS: Kanlaon spews ash anew; over 20 volcanic quakes recorded

A total of 21 volcanic earthquakes were recorded at restive Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island as it resumed emitting ash anew, state volcanologists said in separate reports Saturday.

In its latest bulletin covering 12 a.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Kanlaon's plume was obscured while its edifice remained inflated.

Sulfur dioxide flux was logged at 5,037 tons, slightly lower than its previous daily count of 5,222 tons.

While no ash emissions were reported during this period, PAGASA released time-lapse footage of such activity on Saturday morning.

"This event generated grayish plumes that rose 150 meters above the crater before drifting south west as recorded by the IP Cameras in Mansalanao, La Castellana (VKMN) station and Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in Canlaon City," PHIVOLCS said.

Alert Level 3 remained in effect over Kanlaon, signifying intensified or magmatic unrest.

Residents within the six-kilometer radius from the volcano's summit have been advised to evacuate. Pilots are prohibited from flying close to the volcano, as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

Kanlaon Volcano had an explosive eruption on December 9, 2024, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level from 2 to 3.

It also erupted on June 3, emitting 5,000-meter tall plumes.

Negros Oriental was earlier placed under a state of calamity as it continues to reel from the impact of Kanlaon's activity. — VDV, GMA Integrated News