Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 22) — State volcanologists are keeping a close watch on Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Oriental following a series of volcanic earthquakes on Monday.
Phivolcs said 136 volcano-tectonic earthquakes — with the strongest one at Magnitude 4.7 — were recorded in the volcano’s western flank within a 24-hour period.
Kanlaon emitted steam-laden plumes as high as 200 meters. Volcanologists noted that the recent activities of the restive volcano, such as sulfur dioxide emission and ground deformation, indicate that there is magmatic activity occurring beneath the surface.
Phivolcs reminded the public that Kanlaon remains on Alert Level 1, meaning it is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest. The threat alert level was raised from Alert Level 0 to Alert Level 1 in March.
The volcano last erupted in June 2016. It spewed ash of about 1,312 ft (400 m) to the sky. Ash fall was experienced in several barangays in Negros Occidental after the steam-driven eruption.
