Kanlaon Volcano ash emissions continue as plumes rise above crater

The Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island emitted ash anew on Saturday morning, with ash plumes seen rising 500 meters above the crater, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

The ash emission began at 5:58 a.m., PHIVOLCS added.

The plumes drifted in the southwest direction.

"Alert Level 2 is maintained over Kanlaon Volcano and entry into the 4 kilometer PDZ (Permanent Danger Zone) must be prohibited," PHIVOLCS said.

On Friday, two ash emission events were also observed at Kanlaon Volcano, which lasted from 98 to 109 minutes, it said.

Meanwhile, five volcanic earthquakes including two volcanic tremors lasting 98 to 109 minutes were recorded also on Friday, PHIVOLCS said in a bulletin. 

The volcano also emitted 2,169 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Friday.

Moderate plumes were also seen rising up to 300 meters tall on Friday and drifting in the south-southwest and southwest directions, PHIVOLCS added.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that flying aircraft near the volcano should not be allowed.

Kanlaon Volcano, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, poses possible hazards such as sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions and precursory magmatic activity, it added. —KG, GMA Integrated News