BACOLOD CITY: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported increased volcanic-tectonic earthquakes and ash emissions at Kanlaon Volcano on Thursday (Jan 15).
The volcano emitted ash twice, and 36 earthquakes were recorded between midnight and 4pm, Mari-Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Mt Kanlaon Observatory in La Carlota City, said.
The first ash emission lasted from 6.37am to 9.25am, while the second occurred from 2.12pm to 2.35pm, she added.
Meanwhile, 78 earthquakes were recorded from 12am Wednesday to 12am Thursday, according to Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol.
The increase in activity indicates progressive rock fracturing beneath the volcano as rising magma or magmatic gas forces a pathway toward the surface, he explained.
“We have to see if this will escalate in the next few days,” Bacolcol said.
He added that the rise in VT events could trigger steam-driven or phreatic eruptions—or short-lived, weak to moderately explosive eruptions—rather than sustained large eruptions.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, and residents are advised to stay vigilant. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
