Kanlaon Volcano spewed ash thrice in 24 hours — PHIVOLCS

Restive Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island spewed ash three times lasting up to more than two hours, state volcanologists said Saturday in their latest 24-hour monitoring report.

In its bulletin covering 12 a.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the three ash emission events lasted three to 136 minutes.

These were accompanied by 24 volcanic earthquakes, including three volcanic tremors that had the same duration range as the ash emissions.

State volcanologists also observed a moderate 150-meter tall plume that drifted southwest and west-southwest.

Kanlaon released 2,756 tons of sulfur dioxide, while its edifice remained inflated.

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

Evacuation from the six-kilometer radius around the volcano's summit has been recommended.

Possible hazards that may occur include sudden explosive eruption, lava flow or effusion, ashfall, pyroclastic density current, rockfall, and lahars during heavy rains.

In a meeting with local officials in La Carlota City last month, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he wanted long-term measures to address the displacement of families affected by Kanlaon's activity.

The President said a permanent evacuation center outside the danger zone is being considered for the safety and welfare of affected residents.

Thousands of families in Negros Island have been displaced following its explosive eruptions on June 3 and December 9 last year. — VDV, GMA Integrated News