Kanlaon Volcano emits ash anew; Alert Level 2 remains in effect

Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island continued to show signs of increased unrest, emitting ash several times, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Saturday.

The Kanlaon Volcano Observatory–Canlaon City (KVO-CC) was able to take video footage of the ash emission at 4:18 a.m. and 4:43 a.m. on Saturday.

Grayish plumes were seen rising up to 200 meters above the summit crater before drifting toward the north.

Five ash emissions were also observed on Friday during PHIVOLCS' monitoring period from 12 a.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Saturday.

These ash emission events lasted from five to 28 minutes long, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin issued Saturday.

The volcano, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, also had seven volcanic earthquakes including five volcanic tremors lasting from two to 24 minutes long.

It emitted 3,304 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Friday.

Moderate plumes were seen rising out of the crater and reaching 200 meters high before drifting in the north and north-northeast drift.

PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is still in effect over Kanlaon Volcano on Saturday.

It reminded the public that entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone and flying aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited.

PHIVOLCS said Kanlaon Volcano may possibly have sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions and precursory magmatic activity. —KG, GMA News