Mt. Kanlaon calming down?:Reduced volcanic quakes

CEBU, Philippines — Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol on Friday said that based on their monitoring, there is a decrease in the volcanic earthquakes being recorded at Kanlaon Volcano, compared to when it erupted on June 3.

“Between 12 a.m. yesterday (Thursday) to 12 a.m. today (Friday) we recorded a slight decrease in the number of volcanic earthquakes. Prior to that, we recorded 27 volcanic earthquakes. That was between June 5 and June 6. On June 4, we reached 53 (volcanic earthquakes). That was a day after it erupted,” he said.

“Yesterday, until midnight, we only had 14 (volcanic earthquakes). We hope this trend of decrease (of volcanic earthquake) will continue,” he added.

Bacolcol, though, said that the agency needs to observe the activity of the Kanlaon Volcano for at least two weeks before it can decide whether to increase or decrease the alert level, as they cannot say yet whether its restiveness already reached its peak.

“It has only been four days since the Kanlaon Volcano erupted. We really have to check this everyday and observe this in a period of time, at least two weeks,” he said.

He also said that the haze and sulfur dioxide from Kanlaon Volcano are now only confined within Negros Island, after it reached as far as Bicol.

“The dispersal of sulfur dioxide was widespread after the eruption on June 3. On June 4, it was recorded that it reached the central part of the Philippines, including Bicol; but the following day, June 5, it was only experienced towards the western side and southern side of Negros. Yesterday, it was only confined in the Negros island,” Bacolcol said.

On the threat posed by lahar flow to residents, he warned that it would continue, after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that rains will persist until the weekend.

“We are reminding the people to be vigilant, especially those residing near the river channel. Lahar flow is still possible as long as there are volcanic materials on the slope of Kanlaon volcano,” he said.

The volcano’s eruption last Monday has produced a large volume of lahar deposits, which could potentially cause lahar flows due to the rains.

Meanwhile, Bacolcol also said Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption last Monday evening and increased activity of Taal Volcano in Batangas have no connection.

“There is no connection as there is always a possibility that the restiveness of volcanoes in the country will happen simultaneously,” Bacolcol said, referring to the thick volcanic smog or vog being experienced around Taal Volcano amid its ongoing degassing. (CEBU NEWS)