The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Monday warned the public that Kanlaon Volcano in the island of Negros is "at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest."
Kanlaon Volcano has been under Alert Level 1 status since March 11. This means that the volcano is under an abnormal condition, and there is a possibility of sudden and hazardous stream-driven eruption or phreatic eruptions.
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum urged the public not to panic but be vigilant.
"Local government units and the public are reminded that entry into the 4-km. radius Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. Phivolcs is closely monitoring Kanlaon, and any new development will be relayed to all concerned," he said.
At least 136 volcanic earthquakes of tectonic origin have been recorded on the western flanks in the last 24 hours. White steam-laden plumes to as high as 200 meters also rose before drifting southwest.
Sulfur dioxide emission was measured at an average of 438 tons per day on June 13.
"Ground deformation data from continuous GPS measurements indicate a slight deflation of the lower slopes but inflation on the mid slopes since April 2020. These parameters indicate that hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the edifice," Phivolcs said.
Solidum said the earthquakes recorded in Kanlaon Volcano for the past 24 hours are not destructive.
"The recorded earthquake events, although felt, are not destructive. The earthquakes are caused by movement of a fault in the lower slopes of the volcano. These do not indicate magma movement yet," he said.
Solidum added that Phivolcs would monitor the seismic activity if this will persist, or whether there will be changes in the type and migration of earthquakes beneath the summit.
Earlier, Phivolcs recorded moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose 200 meters before drifting southwest.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 438 tonnes/day on June 13, it added.
Volcanic plume is a column of hot volcanic ash and gas emitted into the atmosphere during an explosive volcanic eruption. With PNA