Heads up, everyone! The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported a significant increase in seismic activity at Kanlaon Volcano.
Since this morning, they've recorded a whopping 25 volcanic-tectonic (VT) earthquakes, with 22 of them happening after 10:35 p.m. last night. Five of these quakes were even felt by residents of Canlaon City.
What does this mean? VT earthquakes are caused by rock fracturing, and an increase in their frequency could potentially precede an eruption.
While Kanlaon remains at Alert Level 2, Phivolcs warns that this heightened seismic activity might lead to eruptive unrest and a possible increase in the alert level.
Here's what you need to know:
- Stay safe! Avoid entering the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano. This is to minimize the risk of hazards like pyroclastic flows, ballistic projectiles, and rockfalls.
- Pilots, take note! Avoid flying near the volcano's summit. Ash and ballistic fragments from a sudden eruption can be dangerous to aircraft.
- Communities near river systems: Be extra cautious, especially during heavy rainfall, as lahars (volcanic debris flows) could occur.
Remember the June eruption? Kanlaon erupted for six minutes, sending ash, rocks, and gases five kilometers into the sky. This resulted in over 2,800 people seeking refuge in emergency centers due to falling ash, gases, and the threat of lahars.
We're not out of the woods yet. While the volcano is currently quiet, it's still dangerous. Phivolcs emphasizes that Kanlaon could still erupt.
Stay informed and stay safe!
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Agence France-Presse
