Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is currently monitoring the ongoing series of earthquakes on the west lower flanks of Kanlaon Volcano.
The tremors began at 4:03 pm Sunday, June 21, in La Carlota City, with a magnitude of 3.7.
The strongest quake was recorded at 1:01 am Monday, June 22, with magnitude 4.6 .
As of 1:50 a.m., a total of 81 events have been recorded, it said in an advisory.
According to the Phivolcs reports, “Kanlaon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded three (3) volcanic earthquakes during the 24-hour observation period. Moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose 200 meters before drifting northwest was observed. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 438 tonnes/day on 13 June 2020. Ground deformation data from continuous GPS measurements indicate a slight deflation of the lower and mid slopes since January 2020. Short-term electronic tilt monitoring on the southeastern flanks recorded continuing deflation on the lower slopes but inflation on the mid slopes since April 2020. These parameters indicate that hydrothermal or magmatic activity is occurring beneath the edifice.”
They added, “Alert Level 1 (abnormal) status prevails over Kanlaon Volcano, which means that it is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest. The local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.”
The tectonic quake rocked La Carlota City at 1:01 a.m., and had a depth of 15 kilometers, Phivolcs said.
Intensity 5 was felt in Kanlaon City, Negros Oriental, Intensity 3 was reported in Bago City, Negros Occidental, Intensity 2 in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, and Intensity 1 in Iloilo City, Iloilo.
Other areas in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, felt the quake, too.
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