Kanlaon alert level raised

Government volcanologists raised the alert level for Mount Kanlaon in Negros Oriental to Level 2 after detecting an increase in the number of earthquakes in the 24-hour period beginning Tuesday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 279 deep volcanic quakes during that period.

Phivolcs said in a bulletin posted on Wednesday morning that “the number of volcanic earthquakes detected per day has continued to increase."

The 2,465-meter volcano, the highest peak in Central Philippines, first showed signs of increased activity last August 17.

Since 1866, there have been 14 eruptions which were small and moderate and did not cause extensive damage or casualties. The last one was in December 2015, when Kanlaon spewed ash 1,000 meters into the air.

Phivolcs noted that while there has been no visible steaming from the volcano’s active vent this year, the increasing unrest could trigger steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

A Level 2 alert means the volcano is undergoing a "moderate level of unrest."

Phivolcs has advised the towns near the volcano that entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited.

It said civil aviation authorities “must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft." (Kier Edison C. Belleza)